Studying Other Religions - Religious Education

I started out as a Christian and lived the first 17 years of my life as one. When I started doing a little research on Christianity, this soon led me to other religions. I started to research other religions, I soon found myself having problems with the religion of my birth, Christianity. I believe that Jesus was special and for some reason, thought that he was an only child. While reading one book, I found out he had 11 brothers and sisters. I don't know if this is true but this is what the book reported.

The stuff I had been taught in Sunday school and going to, what I would like to call adult church. Listening to the sermons and of course never reading the Bible, because my main concerns at the time were playing with my friends, sports and as I entered my teens, became extremely interested in cars. I didn't have time or a desire to verify anything that I had heard about Christianity.

I read one book and that led to others and pretty soon I was confused and chose not to be a Christian anymore, because I couldn't verify if this was a religion made by God or man. Everything I was learning pointed towards man and control and money and power. The more I learned, the more forgiveness I could have towards others who belonged to other religions throughout the world.

We all want the same thing, love, compassion and understanding. Buddhism seems to represent this the most to me and I started to study it a little more diligently. I kind of became fascinated with the Dali Lama and the country of Tibet. We tend to get caught up in stuff that sounds good and makes us feel good but often can't see the problems. This happens in our daily life with work, family and fun.

I never really fell out of favor with Buddhism but soon learned enough to save this religion wasn't exactly for me either. I like some of the principles, especially the principle of compassion which tends to drive this way of life forward.

I have studied quite a few religions and still have plenty of more to educate myself on. I understand that most people don't have the time or interest to pursue this path. That's fine, but at the same time don't make fun of these religions, if you don't know anything about them and don't tell others that your religion is right if it isn't.

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility . It's based on overindulgence.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, You Can Have It All

Do I Go To College

Self-Awareness - The 3 Keys to Achievement - Attitude, Action and Acknowledgment

"Learn to be happy with what you have while you pursue all that you want." ~Anonymous
Most people want to achieve success but it is important to be mindful that the definition of success may be different for each individual. In order to achieve what you want there are three important elements - attitude, actions and acknowledgments.

Attitude

The first step is to assess your attitude and how it helps or hinders your achievements. If negative beliefs keep popping up, it generally results in an unproductive outcome. Negative thinking can consist of constant worry, "what if" scenarios or not trusting yourself to manage and cope. Constant negativity tends to block creativity. When you assume the worst it is hard to think and complete things. Have you ever had one of those days when doubt keeps cropping up. Eg. "I'll never complete this project on time." or " I don't think my boss believes I am capable." With these kinds of thoughts on your mind, how effective will you be in completing your work?

A positive attitude contributes to a belief that you have the ability to handle situations. It does not mean that you always have a "happy, nothing can bother me attitude", but rather when stuff happens you are able to deal with it. You want to make sure that you do not magnify the positive and minimize the negative and thereby don't see the reality of a situation. As you move up the career ladder you will need to be able to accurately assess both the positives and negatives and then make decisions.

Actions

Actions are your behaviors, the things you do which move you toward your goals. Taking action is an important step towards achievement. People sometimes assume that only big things count as taking action. However it is often the small, steady actions which contribute to you reaching your goals.

Inaction is paradoxically a form of action. If you have difficulty or avoid making decisions because you want to be sure you only do the "right" thing, you often end up doing nothing. You may also choose to do nothing because you have determined that it is the right decision at the time.

Sometimes fear may prevent you from doing or trying things that will lead you toward achievement. Perhaps you have a fear of public speaking, but you need to develop the skill in order to move your career or business forward. It would be important to begin to take small action steps, doing things that will make you more comfortable with speaking in public.

Maybe you have difficulty saying "no" which results in you constantly taking on additional assignments leading to being overwhelmed. Your action might be to begin saying "no" or a variation of "no." This might be something such as, "that would mean two projects to be completed at the same time, which would you like me to work on?" or "In order to do that I would have to delegate some of my other work. Is that OK with you?"

Acknowledgments

Paying attention to what you have completed or accomplished and expressing gratitude for what you have and towards others are powerful strategies for moving you forward in your life.

There may be people you know who have difficulty accepting a compliment. They might either ignore or minimize it. This generally relates to someone's self image. If you do not consider yourself "worthy" of positives then you tend to discard them. This may be a remnant from childhood when perhaps you received a lot of criticism. It is important to remember when you disregard positive feedback, you are conveying a message of disrespect towards the person who is offering it.

Acknowledging and expressing appreciations is also important. Walking down the street and saying hello to people, holding a door open or saying thank you are small ways of acknowledging others. When you do things for others or have them done for you, how does it impact your mood?

Evaluate your definition of success. The three components of achieving the life you desire are your attitude, your actions and acknowledgments. Perhaps now is a good time to become more aware of how you use these qualities in your daily life.

Copyright 2008, Gail Solish. All rights reserved.

Visit http://www.actualizeyourgoals.com for more tips and information on communication skills and developing positive business and personal relationships. You can also subscribe to the monthly newsletter, Actualize Your Goals.

Importance Of The Ten Commandments

Self-Help - Happiness - Want a Good Day?

The Happy Musing for the Day: Sweet Holiday wishes touch us all.

The Holiday spirit is everywhere during the Holidays, inside and outside. Garlands hang from street posts. Sleighs filled with gifts are parked on neighborhood lawns. White lights twinkle around the edge of shop windows and colored lights dangle from the eaves of homes on every street. Children make paper chains to hang on trees. Cards arrive in the mail. Mothers bake sugar cookies and grandmothers bake gingerbread men. Presents are hidden under beds and in closets. Thoughts are of others. Smiles are everywhere. People are happy and wishing others the same. And every wish that goes out touches us all.

I once knew a man in Los Angeles named Harry. In fact his nickname was Never-A-Bad-Day-Harry because that's what he said when anyone asked how he was. The answer was permanently, "Never a bad day!"

Harry had come to this country from Sweden long ago. He was given a sum of money and shoved out the door. He was the black sheep of his family and they wanted no part of him. He got on a ship and sailed to America. By the time he arrived in New York he had lost all the money gambling.

From there he bounced around the country until he righted himself and landed on the West Coast. It was there that I met him. By this time he was settled in business and thriving. I was invited to his home for a party and was surprised to find that his entire place was covered with Christmas decorations - lights, trees, garlands, balls, bells, candles, tin foil and ribbons -- and it was the middle of summer. To Harry every day was Christmas. That's the way he lived. There was never a bad day. Perhaps that's the way we should all live -- full of good wishes inside and out.

Happy Holidays to you!

"Life is wonderful!"
copyright 2008 Sally Huss

You may receive FREE Sally Huss' Happy Musings weekly by e-mail and previews of Sally's new self-help downloadable books (10 GREAT THOUGHTS ON LOVE and 10 GREAT THOUGHTS ON FRIENDSHIP) by going to http://www.sallyhuss.com/sallyhuss_signup.htm Also you may download her Have-It-All Formula FREE.

Sally Huss has been creating her bright and happy art, combining it with her whimsical and uplifting thoughts, for over 25 years. King Features syndicated these Happy Musings for newspapers 3 years ago.

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My Parents Motivation Using Fear

5 Tips For Handling Conflict

If you live long enough you will experience conflict. The chance that everyone will like us or get along with us is very minimal. Inevitably we will disagree with someone. When this happens, handling the conflict with a level head avoids stress and keeps the chance of the conflict escalating less likely.

Handling conflict does not have to be confrontational in the classic sense. When someone mentions an altercation we think of the showdown at the OK Corral. Coming into the meeting ready to fight is not the best way to handle a conflict.

Conflicts can occur at any time. You could be in a grocery store and the cashier may act rude as they ring up your groceries. We've all had that happen at least once, right? The first reaction is to slam the money on the counter or to snap back at them. In that instant we have taken their problems as our own and created a stressful situation that changes the tone of the rest of our day.

Here are five tips for handling conflict. They work for coworkers, family members, friends, and even strangers. You never know when the proper response to a conflict could save your life or someone else's.

1. Think about the situation. We are quick to respond when someone says what we don't like. Take the time to breathe before responding. In that breath replay the words spoken.

2. Make the hard decision. In many cases, the conflict that arises is not the first of its kind. Harsh or offensive words or deeds could be a recurring theme in the relationship. Decide if this affiliation is worth saving or if it is time to cut the person loose. Leaving the association could result in a lost friendship, a divorce, or changing jobs. Sometimes, for our own sake, these things are better in the long run than staying in a bad relationship.

3. Wait a day. Don't respond right then. Give yourself time to talk over the situation with a trusted friend. Maybe you overreacted. Sometimes, a third party can see something that you missed in the heat of your anger. In these cases, apologize where necessary. If the consensus is that you were wronged, then bring the matter to the attention of the other person with a level head not a hot one.

4. Find a solution. A common conflict, especially among spouses could result from wanting to make a purchase that there isn't enough money for. Instead of brooding, come up with favorable solutions that could get you what you want or need. Get a second job to earn the money.

5. Apologize if you were in the wrong. Just because something is true doesn't mean that it has to be said. Telling someone that they are wearing a dress that is too small for them is not a positive way to help them lose weight. Understand how it could be offensive to them and apologize. Better yet, stop and think before you respond in situations such as these. Put yourself in the other person's shoes before hand. Part of resolving conflicts is realizing our role in it.
Facing confrontational situations is not easy. But, it is not inevitable and sometimes it has to be done. Learning conflict resolution techniques can alleviate the stress of these situations.

Gregg Zban is a General Manager with Coca-Cola Enterprises and has created a website dedicated to better time management in business, with family, at school and more.

To learn more please visit http://www.choice-time-management.com

For freebies please visit http://www.GreggZban.com

Don Miguel Ruiz

The Hidden Truth about Christians

Hoping to Enter Heaven - Religious Views Based on Hope

I was told by an advertising executive one day that all of your advertisements need to deliver some sort of hope for the people you're trying to persuade into buying your products. Funny, if you think about it, I got some and great advice about life from someone in the advertisement business.

Most people are looking for hope, in everything they do. Most of our daily activities revolve around hope and this gives our lives some sort of direction. If you believe in an almighty being and creator of the universe, often you will try to please him, ....or her, ....or it, in hopes of entering the kingdom of heaven or the promised land after you die.

Often our fears will increase our levels of hoping, the fear of doing something against your religion can often inspire you to become a more spiritual person, a good and moral person. Fear of making the wrong choices will inspire us to make better, moral choices, all for the sake of acquiring a ticket to Heaven or Nirvana. You're hoping, your good deeds on earth will earn you a place in heaven.

Most people are afraid of dying and leaving this world, for good. They don't know where they're going and that seems to scare most people. If we can offer someone a little hope, that they are going to a much better place than here, we can often ease the pain and suffering associated with death. I have to admit, most religions of the world promise another world, after we're done with this one.

If you're living a honest and moral life with the hopes of living a bountiful life in heaven, could you be wrong. What if you're seeking Hope in the wrong religion? If you're a Christian and the Hindus are right and you're wrong, do you get to enter there eternal kingdom.

Think about this question, I'm about to ask you. What if spend your whole life studying your religion and it's wrong? There is no heaven and when you die, that's the end of your existence

Have you ever wondered why you believe in your religion and someone in another country or even a couple of miles away believes in something entirely different.

Don't get mad at me or yourself, simply think about the question for a while, this question has transformed my life and put me on a wonderful spiritual path of learning.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development. Check out one of his recommended books, The Power of Intention

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

Religious Faith Or Religious Fac

What if We Ask an Artificially Intelligent Computer to Create a Religion for Mankind?

So many humans find fault with their religion or other peoples chosen religion? Wars are often fought over nothing more than religion. Silly culture wars over religious tradition and perception often arguing over what is morally right to think, say eat, wear, believe or do. Yes human wars are fought over many things, but what if we prevented religious wars?

For the sake of philosophical argument; What if We Ask an Artificial Intelligent Computer to Create a Religion for Mankind? How could this be done you ask? Oh so now you are intrigued by the latest philosophical conversation at the Online Think Tank are you?

Well first so many religions have contradictions in them. For instance live a life of peace but join in battle against an enemy? All religions have at least some contradictions, perhaps they are not so well thought out? In the future Artificial Intelligent Computers will surpass human thinking and reasoning skills, could we then ask our AI computer to design us a religion everyone could get along with and adopt Planet Wide?

There are endless contradictions in the Bible I agree and it is too bad they did not use the Future; Microsoft Professional MS Word 55.0 (with Contradiction Checker and other AI features). But alas they were merely men trying to write the best air-tight case they could to enslave the minds of the masses for control. I'd say they did an excellent job, the trickery verbiage has worked for some 2000 years and from what I see here appears to be going strong still today.

Isnt it time to use technology to upgrade human religion? After all soon man will become God and create artificial intelligence that will surpass him. I certainly hope this article is of interest and that is has propelled thought. The goal is simple; to help you in your quest to be the best in 2007. I thank you for reading my many articles on diverse subjects, which interest you.

"Lance Winslow" - Online Think Tank forum board. If you have innovative thoughts and unique perspectives, come think with Lance; http://www.WorldThinkTank.net/. Lance is an online writer in retirement.

Starting With Simple Things

How to Avoid Conflict With Friends and Family, Or Anyone

Genesis 13:8. Abraham in Bible provides a great example of how to avoid conflict when dealing with friends and family. In Genesis 13 Abram and Lot had left Egypt and they had settled between Bethel and Hai. After a while, strife developed between Abram's herdsmen and Lot's herdsmen because there was not enough land to support both herds of cattle. When Abram became aware of the strife, he immediately addressed this issue with Lot to avoid anymore conflict (Genesis 13:8, "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren.").

In Genesis 13:9 Abram tells Lot "Is not the whole land before thee? separate thyself, I pray thee, from me: if thou wilt take the left hand, then I will go to the right; or if thou depart to the right hand, then I will go to the left." The manner that Abram presented his plan and the plan itself stopped strife immediately and avoided strife in the future. The steps Abram used to avoid conflict with Lot can be used by anyone to avoid conflict with friends, family, or anyone.

Conflict Avoidance Steps.

1. Identify A Reasonable Solution to Resolve the Dispute. In the dispute between Abram and Lot, Abram identified that the close proximity of the herds was creating strife. They needed to spread out the herds.

2. Have One of the Disputing Parties Identify Fair Options That Would Be Satisfactory to Both Parties. Here Abram identified two choices (one goes to the left, the other one goes to the right) that he thought would be fair options for both Lot and himself.

3. Let the Other Party Choose Which Option. In the case of the dispute between Abram and Lot, Abram let Lot choose between the two options (one goes to the left, the other one goes to the right).

This is a wonderful way to avoid conflict: have one party divide the object of contention into two satisfactory options, and then let the other party choose which option.

GENESIS 13 BIBLE SCRIPTURE Genesis 13:8, "And Abram said unto Lot, Let there be no strife, I pray thee, between me and thee, and between my herdmen and thy herdmen; for we be brethren."

Randall McClure Sr. is author and publisher of http://www.access-jesus.com

Access-Jesus.com helps people learn about, love, and promote Jesus.

Starting Your Own Religion

Light Workers Movie on Estoic Wisdom

This video tells of the estoic wisdom between the three types of light workers and how they are going to bring the earth into a new earth full of love and light.

Life of Jesus

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a spiritual help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Stephanie Capparell
Rolf Gates

What Does God Care About

If I ask you to stop what you were doing, get a piece of paper and a pencil and draw a line down the center of the paper and on one side, write down what you think God cares about and on the other side write down things that you think he doesn't care about, would you do it? Make a list for yourself and then ask yourself, if your religious beliefs are on that list somewhere. As long as the side of the list is longer, about the things that God does care about, I guess everything is okay, isn't it.

If God doesn't care about starvation or hunger, I guess I can understand that. It would make more sense because in the real world, the world God created, it's survival of the fittest, right, wouldn't that be a true statement. The smartest people on the planet and the most educated, aggressive, goal oriented and religious believers seem to have the best lives and live in nice homes, don't they. I really never thought much about starvation but I guess God's plan is based around the strong will survive. I'm just thinking out loud here.

I wonder if God cares about people that are poor and uneducated? These are the meek and don't they inherit the kingdom of God, or am I missing something. Do you think poor people and uneducated people are suffering because God wants them to go to heaven only after they have suffered on earth. I can't really understand the concept of suffering on earth to receive rewards later after you're dead. Just doesn't make sense to me.

What do you think God really cares about? How will we ever know if we're right? If you believe in Christianity, Islam, Judaism, Hinduism or any other religion that believes in a deity, I guess you can open up a book and gather all the answers. This doesn't make much sense to me either.

Reading these scriptures can often lead to confusion if you're open-minded. Examining these scriptures a little closer can provide you with education. Educating your self on other religions can help you understand more of what God really does care about. I believe God does care about love and compassion, all gods.

If you want to read something funny and get your daily laugh in, you need to read this, it's funny Using Religion Responsibility. It's based on overindulgence.

You are free to copy this article to your site as long as you include the following resource information with an active link to my site:

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a video library filled with great movies on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world.

Are You Being Deceived?

How many pages would it take to describe every well known deceiver currently operating in the world?

There is a very well known woman who is a very influential TV personality, celebrity, and bizillionaire who has gone the way Cain. She has been deceived or seduced by the idea that she can approach the Almighty God of creation through her own way. In spite of her 'wisdom' she has fallen for the same lie that fooled her great grandmother Eve. She is looking for that little god in herself and encouraging others to do the same thing. She has taken a spiritual mentor who speaks against the God of the Bible. She has been deceived herself. Now she is deceiving many others.

There are many so called Christian teachers who are teaching the same sort of heresy, or something equally blasphemous all in the name of Christ. (read 1 Timothy chapter 1)They have all taken the idea that the Christian can do all things through Christ and perverted it to a sort of 'god will do what you command him to do' theology. Who would a want a god they can boss around? It would be a pretty frail excuse for a god if it let a mortal tell it what to do. Never the less, such teachers are deceived and they are deceiving others.

Honestly, it isn't necessary that you learn the names of all those who have been deceived and fallen for the same line of baloney that Eve fell for. You just need to learn the lie, and how to avoid being deceived yourself. These teachers come and go throughout the centuries. They die in God's time. They stay dead. Their evil teachings may live on, but not through their own power. The evil teachings that oppose the God of Heaven are really the teachings of the father of lies, the devil. This liar, the adversary of God, really can only sing one song. His siren song is 'worship me, not God'. As liars do, Satan is not up front about what he wants from the individual. He 'repackages' his lies for every generation, and for every imaginable sub-culture, minority; ethnic, social, and economic group. He targets those mentioned in II Timothy chapter 3.

V. 1. This know also, that in the last days perilous times shall come. The term 'last days' may refer to the entire church age, which is the last age before the 1000 year kingdom foretold in the Bible. There certainly have been perilous times since the time of Christ. But today, the evil seems to be rapidly multiplying throughout all the world.

V. 2. For men shall be lovers of their own selves, covetous, boasters, proud, blasphemers, disobedient to parents, unthankful, unholy, Lovers of their own selves. This describes a day when mothers will murder their own children because of the inconvenience caused by a child, or impatience with the behavior of the child. The world is full of 'covetous' people. They want what you have, but even worse, they don't want you to have anything. The boasters and the proud walk hand in hand. As proud people, they see no reason to respect the God who created them. They do not acknowledge His might or power. They reject the Holy Spirit's prompting them to be saved. They are disobedient to parents, rejecting the God their parents worshipped. They are thankful for nothing, and defile everything true and right with their wickedness. Mostly I suppose they don't love anything or anyone half as much as they love themselves.

V. 3. Without natural affection, trucebreakers, false accusers, incontinent, fierce, despisers of those that are good, There is really no where to begin describing 'without natural affection'. Homosexuality is an obvious example, but there is so much more to that phrase. Parents abandon children. Spouses leave each other for someone else. Righteous behavior is abandoned if more money can be made through an unrighteous way of doing business. Trucebreakers will not stay in any agreement that requires them to live up to any promise. They excuse their wicked behavior by falsely accusing the innocent. They exercise no self control in any matter. They are brutal and ferocious in forcing their ideals on those around them. They hate anything to do with the truth of the Bible, and people who follow Jesus Christ. Families that love each other and are helpful to each other are laughed at. Grown children are pressured to be disrespectful to parents, and turn from all the teachings of their youth. To avoid being a helpful and involved grandparent a common excuse is, 'well - I raised my kids - and now they can raise theirs.' What a crock! I don't really know of anyone who actually raised their kids without some help from someone. (Here is a 'thank you' to grandparents who are actually raising grandchildren because of parents who have abandoned them. God bless you and help you.) I would like to encourage families to work at developing a family bond.

V. 4. Traitors, heady, high-minded, lovers of pleasures more than lovers of God; Those in government today have traitorously given away freedoms belonging to the citizens. These high minded people are elitists, believing their superior intellect makes it alright for them to discard the basis on which this nation was founded. As 'superior beings', they believe they are more appreciative of pleasures than the uneducated and inferior masses. They certainly would choose their pleasure above the pleasure of God.

V. 5. Having a form of godliness, but denying the power thereof: from such turn away. As far from actually following the teachings of Jesus as they are, many STILL claim to be Christians even though they utterly reject every principle taught in the Bible. Islam rejects the virgin birth of Jesus Christ; that He is the son of God; and that He was crucified. If he was never crucified, they don't have to deal with His resurrection and ascension into heaven in front of witnesses. They also reject the trinity, saying their god has no son. Yet, many claim Christians and Moslems worship the same God. The ecumenical movement has stepped outside 'oneness in the Christian faith' and gone global. They want all religions to come together in the name of peace. They have no understanding that world peace is not an achievable goal. World peace will be a byproduct of hearts that freely choose and worship Jesus Christ.

V. 6. For of this sort are they which creep into houses, and lead captive silly women laden with sins, led away with divers lusts, This type of person can creep into houses very easily through the television, radio, and internet. (They got in before these things were invented, but perhaps it was harder.) Once inside, they lead captive silly women. I could write a book on 'silly women'. But, these particular 'silly women' are silly because they are carrying the load of their sins and the variety of lusts to which they are clinging. (A very prominent 'silly woman' is Nancy Pelosi. She thinks she is 'saving the planet' by placing burdens on the backs of those she is supposed to champion. Many 'silly women' have the 'little goddess complex', believing it is within their power to fix everything and save the world.) In clinging to their sins, they are behaving as though they lacked in intelligence. The devil loves to make contact with this type of woman or man. They are already looking for a way of salvation that does not require them to set aside behavior that the Bible calls sin.

V. 7. Ever learning, and never able to come to the knowledge of the truth. This includes people who are following the 'name it and claim it' gospel; those who are following the 'path to enlightenment'; those who worship nature; and absolutely anything that does not teach that Jesus Christ is Lord.These are the people who have rejected God and gone their own way. They stand on the shifting sand that keeps the social, political, and religious world in turmoil.

V. 8. Now as Jannes and Jambres withstood Moses, so do these also resist the truth: men of corrupt minds, reprobate concerning the faith. Jannes and Jambres saw all the miracles that God did when Pharaoh would not let the Jews go free. They watched the Hebrew God defeat all the gods of Egypt through the plagues. Yet, they remained faithful to their 'lesser gods', because that was easier than repenting......

V. 9. But they shall proceed no further: for their folly shall be manifest unto all men, as their's also was. The day will come when God will put a stop to their evil behavior.
Next, the Apostle Paul speaks about his own life, and how the Lord delivered him out of persecution

V. 10. But thou hast fully known my doctrine, manner of life, purpose, faith, longsuffering, charity, patience,

V. 11. Persecutions, afflictions, which came unto me at Antioch, at Iconium, at Lystra; what persecutions I endured: but out of them all the Lord delivered me. This next verse is somewhat disconcerting. No one wants to suffer persecution; yet, Paul says all that live godly in Christ Jesus will suffer. Christians wonder what level of persecution they will personally face. Some will no doubt face persecution even to death. In America today it seems that Christians are facing being ostracized from all aspects of society and government. In fact, those who attempt to follow Christ according to strict Biblical interpretation, are even being ostracized from religion!

V. 12. Yea, and all that will live godly in Christ Jesus shall suffer persecution.

V. 13. But evil men and seducers shall wax worse and worse, deceiving, and being deceived. We cannot look for the world to change. Evil becomes more evil. The theology being taught by the TV personality mentioned at the first of this article (obviously Oprah) has grown more apostate over the years. She is deceived by the father of lies, and she is deceiving others. If she were to repent tomorrow, and turn from her wickedness, there would be ten others rise up to take her place.

All these sins are things common to the non Christian. Without the God of the Bible to guide them and help them, they are easy prey for such foolish behavior. Practicing Christians have hope of living a better life. This Hope is not within us naturally, but it is a gift of God. Real Christians and so-called Christians can also fall into such foolish behavior if they are not careful to do the things the Bible says to do.

V. 14. But continue thou in the things which thou hast learned and hast been assured of, knowing of whom thou hast learned them; A believer should continue to do what they have learned from Bible study and remain confident that the things in the Bible are from God.

V. 15 And that from a child thou hast known the holy scriptures, which are able to make thee wise unto salvation through faith which is in Christ Jesus. The Holy Scriptures can make even the most foolish wise. Lack of a knowledge of the Bible can make a fool of the most intelligent.

V. 16 All scripture is given by inspiration of God, and is profitable for doctrine, for reproof, for correction, for instruction in righteousness: Don't limit yourself to just part of the Bible. All the Bible is true, helpful, and good. I personally tend to 'hide out in Psalms'. I read Isaiah, Daniel, Genesis, the 4 Gospels, and Acts. Hebrews is pretty good to. I really have to make a point of reading the rest of it. I like those the best - but they don't tell everything.

V. 17 That the man of God may be perfect, thoroughly furnished unto all good works. The more you know about the teachings of the Bible, the better off you will be. That means you soul will prosper. Your pocket book may or may not prosper.

There is never a day when a Christian can say, "I have arrived! I know what the Bible has to say. I am in no danger of falling into sin, or falling away from the God that I love.' We have to be vigilant every day to do the things that Christ says to do. It becomes more of a natural action, but no one is ever above sin.

I Peter 5:7-9 gives instructions regarding how to avoid falling into sin, or as the Apostle Paul said, 'becoming a castaway.'(I Corinthians 9:27)

V. 7. Casting all your care upon him; for he careth for you. Take your problems to the Lord. He loves you, and He is the One who can help you. I think people fall into sin when they look for solutions from worldly sources instead of from God. Nations make pacts with idolatrous nations. People make pacts with non-Christians. Take you cares to God. Throw all your troubles on His shoulders. Some cares weigh more than others - and as such are sometimes quite hard to throw off your own shoulders onto the shoulders of the Lord, but it can be done.

V. 8 Be sober, be vigilant; because your advesary the devil, as a roaring lion, walketh about, seeking whom he may devour: Be aware of what is going on around you. It does matter when worldly practices are brought into the life of the individual Christian, the individual family, into the church, into society, and into government. That roaring lion is nibbling away at the people of God. As soon as he is strong enough, he will devour the individual, the family, the church, society, and the nation.

V. 9. Whom resist stedfast in the faith, knowing that the same afflictions are accomplished in your brethren that are in the world. There is comfort in knowing that you are not alone in your struggles. There is also 'strength in numbers'. The more Christians who steadfastly resist devil, the more difficult it is for him to make any headway with the individual or with society as a whole. (see James 4:7b)

Deceivers offer what appears to be pleasure, but it is only for a little season. Moses refused to accept what the world had to offer. Hebrews 11:24-25 says:

V. 24. By faith Moses, when he was come to years, refused to be called the son of Pharaoh's daughter

V. 25. Choosing rather to suffer affliction with the people of God, than to enjoy the pleasures of sin for a season;

V. 26. Esteeming the reproach of Christ greater riches than the treasures of Egypt: for he had respect unto the recompence of the reward.

Moses refused to be counted with the people of the world, but chose rather to be counted as one of the people of God. He saw the temporary nature of his position as a ruler of Egypt. Moses saw his power and wealth as nothing compared to the riches he would gain through following God.

Does the world remember Moses today? Will the world remember the deceiving teachers and preachers of today in 4,000 years? Will the world still remember Moses when another 4,000 years has passed?

Does anyone doubt that Moses has an eternal reward so great that it cannot be measured? Can any deceiving teacher or preacher today offer rewards that can be carried from this life into the next?

Moses was not deceived himself. He did not deceive anyone else, but rather taught them the truths of God. Let all believers strive to avoid the fables of the deceivers and instead follow the example of Moses.

I don't know what the music of Moses' day was like, but if had had what is now the old fashioned hymnal, I think he would have loved these songs:

'I'd Rather Have Jesus' (I don't think Moses knew Jesus' name, but he believed in the promised Messiah - so Moses would have probably also liked 'I Pledge Allegiance to the Lamb' -
'I Know Whom I Have Believed'
'I Surrender All'
'This World is Not My Home'

AND - 'My Sheep Know My Voice'
God's children who are listening to what He has to say know His Voice. They are not deceived by the promises of glitter, wealth, and fame. The follow the voice of the One they love the most.
So the song for this article is 'My Sheep Know My Voice.' It is beautiful when sung in four part harmony.

Thank you all for reading my very long article. God bless you.

Barbara Henderson

My Sheep Know My Voice

http://www.cyberhymnal.org/htm/m/y/mysheepk.htm

My sheep hear My voice, and the path that I take,
They follow wherever I go;
My sheep know My voice and come at my call,
But a stranger's voice do they not know.
Refrain
My sheep know My voice, and day by day
They abide in the fold and go not astray,
They love Me because I have made them my choice,
And they follow My call for My sheep know My voice.
My sheep know My voice, and the pastures of green,
Where I lead them so often to feed;
My sheep know My voice and the cool sparkling stream
Where beside its still waters I lead.
Refrain
My sheep know My voice, and the valley of death
Through which I shall lead them some day;
But no danger nor harm can touch one of them,
For I will be with them away.
Refrain

Awfulizing Creates Negativity

Buddhist Jewelry - Symbols of Spirituality

There are many different styles of Buddhist jewelry to choose from. However, what is the right style for you? While most jewelry is a personal preference, Buddhist jewelry isn't just a fashion statement. Instead they should be used to help heal your body and mind. Allowing you to gain either enlightenment or health through wearing Buddhist Jewelry.

One of the most popular are necklaces, charms, earrings, or rings that display the beautiful lotus flower. As a symbol of enlightenment the lotus has become an essential symbol in Buddhist jewelry. Whether it is molded from sterling silver, carved from a beautiful authentic jade stone, or 24K gold; the lotus is one of the most popular pieces of Buddhist inspired jewelry.

You may even find a Stupa interlaced with Buddhist jewelry pieces. Of which is the Buddhist symbol of the elements "Earth, Water, Fire, Air, and Ether. Again like many other pendants or pieces of jewelry they can be found in different materials. However the mot common is sterling silver or a deep bronze. They can often times become fairly difficult to find locally, so you should utilize the internet to save you time in searching.

Another common symbol in Buddhist jewelry is the Prayer wheel. Often times seen as a necklace pendant or earrings; since they can be fairly bulky for rings. The Prayer wheel normally is found carved with auspicious symbols along with the mantra. Some prayer wheel jewelry even contains an authentic paper prayer scroll. Allowing you to keep a prayer in your heart at all times.

The Om Mani Padme Hum isn't just a popular Buddhist symbol. It is a beautiful jewelry piece as well. Of which is extremely popular with the yoga crowd. Whether it is 24k gold or sterling silver it is a beautiful addition to anyone's jewelry collection. Unfortunately, these pieces can be fairly difficult to find. So utilizing the internet to find one is a must to save time.

Astamangala is another popular symbol used in Buddhist jewelry. Offering a beauty that is rivaled by very few. The Astamangala is often times seen with auspicious emblems; of which are believed to represent gifts given by celestial beings. These gifts being to Sakyamuni Buddha on his journey to enlightenment. These beautiful charms can be purchased as a completed jewelry piece, or as individual charms. Whether they are molded from polyresin, sterling silver, 24k gold, or delicately carved out of jade. They make the perfect addition to anyone's jewelry box.

The three popular types of yoga you may have heard of are hatha yoga, power yoga and bikram yoga. Hatha yoga is the style of yoga most practiced today. It is what you will think of when you think of yoga in general. Power yoga is a more aerobic-style yoga, with an emphasis on cardio. Bikram yoga is a style of yoga performed in a heated room to accelerate detoxification. Universal Yoga sells everything you need to practice these and other forms of yoga, pilates and meditation including Om jewelry, yoga mats, workout clothing, meditation cushions, uplifting apparel and yoga DVDs.

Laws Of Attraction In Action

The Forgotten Law of Attraction Secrets - True Or False?

Everyone is looking for something that can help them to achieve what it is that they are truly after. Maybe you are looking for love, money, your business to grow or even a better relationship with a family member or loved one.

The laws of attraction seemed at one time to be some great secret to many. Now, they are no longer secrets. To some however they may still be but, all it takes is a little bit of research and you will be able to find all of the information that you need to know about how to use the Laws of Attraction techniques.

An important starting point is being aware of the abundance already in your life and being genuinely grateful for what you already have available to you that you may otherwise be taking for granted right now. Many experts suggest keeping a Gratitude Journal to help you become more aware and appreciative of the daily bounties we all share in our lives, as well as the special gifts that are attracted into our reality.

Many believe that the one main secret to the Law of Attraction is to tune into your core vibration. It is important to channel your energy and learn how to communicate within yourself. By believing that you can have what you want and focusing on those things, you will be able to achieve them. Utilizing affirmations and visualization is important, and if you have problems doing that you can create a very practical tool such as a Dream Board that has pictures and writings about all the things you want to experience or own in your life.

It is important to set goals for yourself and to know that you are going to get whatever it is that you want. Breathing is also important when you are searching within yourself. You need to be able to focus on your inner peace. Learning skills such as meditation and visualization is very helpful in speeding up your ability to attract prosperity and other things that you want to manifest for yourself.

Like attracts Like, so what you think about the most is what you attract or create in your life. If you focus all your energy on negative aspects of evens in your life, you will only keep perpetuating more of the same. It is essential that you change your thinking and become truly positive and enthusiastic about your life and what you have in it, that you will begin to create more things to become even more positive and excited about.

With this practice, you are attracting the positives in that you are working towards. You do need to beware of the downsides to the Laws of Attraction. Even though you are channeling the good into your life, you can still attract the bad.

You need to learn how to focus on the good things that you have in your life and the good things that you want to come into your life. All of these things are possible with a little bit of positive thinking and visualization. There are many different ways to practice the Laws of Attraction techniques.

Simply by looking on the internet you will be able to find more information on the Laws of Attraction to practice it than you can possibly read in one day. You can order books and watch movies to be able to learn about the practice and to be able to bring nothing but the good things into your life.

The Law of Attraction has raised interest world wide wherever people have heard about The Secret. You can now see some videos and get the information for free on how to use this powerful tool in your life to achieve the life of your dreams here: http://www.squidoo.com/Forgotten-Law-of-Attraction-Secrets. You will be amazed by how much you will benefit from a few minutes on this site.

Moving Objects With Your Mind

Faith When Hope Seems Hopeless

Why would a person keep doing something that is not succeeding?Because they believe in it and believe that they were called to accomplish that purpose in their life.An example is Edison inventing the light bulb (tried some 10,000 times before he found one that worked), William Wilberforce's efforts to abolish slavery in England (took many years to accomplish), or the relentless pursuit of cures for various diseases.How long have you been pursuing your calling?Are you achieving it or still working on it, or have you given up?

In John 11:17-37, Jesus had learned that His friend, Lazarus, was deathly ill and now goes to Bethany to deal with the situation.He already knows that Lazarus is dead.He also knows that it is dangerous for Him to be so near to Jerusalem when the religious leaders want Him killed.Why is He going to visit a dead man and risk His life in this way?What is He up to?

God's Agenda is not Always Man's Agenda- John 11:17-19
By the time Jesus arrives in Bethany, Lazarus has been dead for four days.Why did God let Lazarus die?Why is Jesus coming to grieve over someone who is dead when His own life is in danger?This is very close to Jerusalem.Are we going to be safe here?

We oftentimes spend enormous amounts of energy trying to figure out God before we begin simply doing what He calls us to do.Many times, God wants us to proceed and trust that He will provide what is needed by the time that it is needed.I have worked on writing these Bible lessons for twelve years as of this date and I am still waiting (while working) for it to grow into a ministry that is touching the lives of thousands and millions of Christians.But because I believe that this is what God called me to do, I haven't quit.God's agenda certainly hasn't been my agenda.

Jesus Always Offers Hope- John 11:20-22
When Jesus arrives, Martha comes out to meet Him before He even gets to the house.Even though Lazarus is dead, she believes, not only that Jesus could have prevented His death, but that God will still do something through Jesus by His simply asking.That is an affirmation of her faith in Jesus as the Christ (Messiah) and His power.

Even when life seems most hopeless, God can do what we would believe to be impossible.If we remember who God is and how much He loves us, we will be able to overcome any situation in life because in Him, there is always hope.There is nothing that God cannot do.

Death is Not the End- John 11:23-26
Jesus tells Martha that Lazarus will rise again.She believes in the resurrection of the dead, so she knows that he will live in eternity.What she doesn't believe or comprehend is that he will live again in this life.

It is not a tragedy when a Christian dies because we know that this person is now alive forever in Heaven with God and Jesus and the Holy Spirit.There is life after death and that is what gives us a peace about this life.We know that no matter how we die, but sudden health issue, slow health issue, accident or someone's criminal action, we have eternal life with God in a place where death and this world has no power.Death is not the end.

Faith Believes What It Cannot Prove- John 11:27-28
Martha affirms her faith in Jesus as the Christ (Messiah).The greatest evidence of Jesus's deity is still to be seen, but she believe based on what she knows at this point.After this, Martha goes and gets Mary to go see Jesus.All of this is a statement of her faith in Him as the Christ, the Son of God who can do all things.Nothing is said about raising Lazarus.

Faith is when you believe in something, even though there is not enough evidence to support that belief.All of us exhibit faith in other people, things or events.How much faith do you have in God to do what He promises He will do?How much would you be willing to risk if God asked something big of you?

Jesus Cares About Our Feelings and Needs- John 11:29-37
Mary comes out to Jesus and makes similar comments to what Martha made.The crowd of mourners doesn't know what is happening, so they follow close to Mary for emotional support.Jesus cares about Martha and Mary's feelings, as He also cares about Lazarus.He asks them to take Him to the gravesite.There, He is also overcome with grief and weeps for Lazarus.We may find this odd, considering who Jesus is, what He knows and what He is going to do.But it is important to note that He does have feelings, just like you and me and He cares about those things that we care about.

No matter what you are going through in your life, Jesus knows and cares very much.He may not prevent tragedy from happening to you, but He will be there with you as you go through it and will guarantee a future in eternity as long as you believe in and live for Him.This requires faith!

God bless you and have a great week!

These articles are related to the "Getting To Know Jesus" Bible study series, a non-denominational Bible study that is written to help you become more like Jesus! Jesus is a role model and a testimony of God's best being given to us! The world acclaimed "Getting To Know Jesus" Bible study series is now available in your choice of formats:

1. Online in eBook - Excellent for self-study right on your computer.

2. Printed study volumes - Great for small group Bible studies.

3. Logos Bible Software - synchronized with the entire Logos Bible study software library.

Read endorsements from Dr. Bob Russell, Dr. Woodrow Kroll, Dr. Tino Ballesteros, Dr. Bill Peters and others.Visit our Bible Study Forum (message board) and share your thoughts. Come back daily for the Verse of the Day. Our mission is to help you experience a more dynamic, personal and intimate relationship with Jesus Christ in order that you may live your life more like Him. Please join us in fulfilling this mission statement and support this ministry with your prayers and tax-deductible gifts. Glen Copple is an ordained minister who has over 25 years of preaching and teaching experience in ministering to non-denominational churches. In 1983, he earned a Master of Arts in Ministry from Pacific Christian College (now Hope International University) in Fullerton, CA, and has had ministries in Kansas, Missouri, and California. In previous ministries, Pastor Glen taught through the Life of Christ and developed the structure for "Getting to Know Jesus." He knew that God led him to put his years of ministry and Bible study to work to share with you, your family and friends in this non-denominational study of Jesus Christ, his life and teachings.

Backup Plans Feel Good

Why Hinduism is Difficult to Understand For Westerners

Many forms of Hinduism teach that the soul released from the body can enjoy eternal bliss in the presence of God and even those severer philosophers who do not admit that the released soul is a personality in any human sense have no doubt of its happiness. The opposition is not so much between Indian thought and the New Testament, for both of them teach that bliss is attainable but not by satisfying desire. The fundamental contrast is rather between both India and the New Testament on the one hand and on the other the rooted conviction of European races, however much Christian orthodoxy may disguise their expression of it, that this world is all-important.

This conviction finds expression not only in the avowed pursuit of pleasure and ambition but in such sayings as that the best religion is the one which does most good and such ideals as self-realization or the full development of one's nature and powers. Europeans as a rule have an innate dislike and mistrust of the doctrine that the world is vain or unreal. They can accord some sympathy to a dying man who sees in due perspective the unimportance of his past life or to a poet who under the starry heavens can make felt the smallness of man and his earth. But such thoughts are considered permissible only as retrospects, not as principles of life: you may say that your labour has amounted to nothing, but not that labour is vain.

Though monasteries and monks still exist, the great majority of Europeans instinctively disbelieve in asceticism, the contemplative life and contempt of the world: they have no love for a philosopher who rejects the idea of progress and is not satisfied with an ideal consisting in movement towards an unknown goal. They demand a religion which theoretically justifies the strenuous life. All this is a matter of temperament and the temperament is so common that it needs no explanation.

What needs explanation is rather the other temperament which rejects this world as unsatisfactory and sets up another ideal, another sphere, another standard of values. This ideal and standard are not entirely peculiar to India but certainly they are understood and honoured there more than elsewhere. They are professed by Christianity, but even the New Testament is not free from the idea that saints are having a bad time now but will hereafter enjoy a triumph, parlously like the exuberance of the wicked in this world.

In many ways the Chinese are as materialistic as Europeans, but throughout the long history of their art and literature, there has always been a school, clear-voiced if small, which has sung and pursued the joys of the hermit, the dweller among trees and mountains who finds nature and his own thoughts an all-sufficient source of continual happiness. But the Indian ideal, though it often includes the pleasures of communion with nature, differs from most forms of the Chinese and Christian ideal inasmuch as it assumes the reality of certain religious experiences and treats them as the substance and occupation of the highest life.

We are disposed to describe these experiences as trances or visions, names which generally mean something morbid or hypnotic. But in India their validity is unquestioned and they are not considered morbid. The sensual scheming life of the world is sick and ailing; the rapture of contemplation is the true and healthy life of the soul. More than that it is the type and foretaste of a higher existence compared with which this world is worthless or rather nothing at all. This view has been held in India for nearly three thousand years: it has been confirmed by the experience of men whose writings testify to their intellectual power and has commanded the respect of the masses. It must command our respect too, even if it is contrary to our temperament, for it is the persistent ideal of a great nation and cannot be explained away as hallucination or charlatanism.

To learn more about Hinduism and Hindu beliefs, practices, rituals and theology; visit my new site. There you will find many free articles.

Hinduism Beliefs

Introduction to Hinduism

Hinduism, Buddhism, Paganism and Organized Religion in the East

China and India are pagan, a word which I deprecate if it is understood to imply inferiority but which if used in a descriptive and respectful sense is very useful. Christianity and Islam are organized religions. They say (or rather their several sects say) that they each not only possess the truth but that all other creeds and rites are wrong. But paganism is not organized: it rarely presents anything like a church united under one head: still more rarely does it condemn or interfere with other religions unless attacked first. Buddhism stands between the two classes. Like Christianity and Islam it professes to teach the only true law, but unlike them it is exceedingly tolerant and many Buddhists also worship Hindu or Chinese gods.

Popular religion in India and China is certainly polytheistic, yet if one uses this word in contrast to the monotheism of Islam and of Protestantism the antithesis is unjust, for the polytheist does not believe in many creators and rulers of the world, in many Allahs or Jehovahs, but he considers that there are many spiritual beings, with different spheres and powers, to the most appropriate of whom he addresses his petitions. Polytheism and image-worship lie under an unmerited stigma in Europe. We generally assume that to believe in one God is obviously better, intellectually and ethically, than to believe in many. Yet Trinitarian religions escape being polytheistic only by juggling with words, and if Hindus and Chinese are polytheists so are the Roman and Oriental Churches, for there is no real distinction between praying to the Madonna, Saints and Angels, and propitiating minor deities.

William James has pointed out that polytheism is not theoretically absurd and is practically the religion of many Europeans. In some ways it is more intelligible and reasonable than monotheism. For if there is only one personal God, I do not understand how anything that can be called a person can be so expanded as to be capable of hearing and answering the prayers of the whole world. Anything susceptible of such extension must be more than a person. Is it not at least equally reasonable to assume that there are many spirits, or many shapes taken by the superpersonal world spirit, with which the soul can get into touch?

The worship of images cannot be recommended without qualification, for it seems to require artists capable of making a worthy representation of the divine. And it must be confessed that many figures in Indian temples seem repulsive or grotesque, though a Hindu might say that none of them are so strange in idea or so horrible in appearance as the crucifix.

But the claim of the iconoclast from the times of the Old Testament onwards that he worships a spirit whereas others worship wood and stone is true only of the lowest phases of religion, if even there. Hindu theologians distinguish different kinds of avatras or ways in which God descends into the world: among them are incarnations like Krishna, the presence of God in the human heart and his presence in a symbol or image (arc).

It may be difficult to decide how far the symbol and the spirit are kept separate either in the East or in Europe, but no one can attend a great car-festival in southern India or the feast of Durg in Bengal without feeling and in some measure sharing the ecstasy and enthusiasm of the crowd.

To learn more about Hinduism and Hindu beliefs, practices, rituals and theology; visit my new site. There you will find many free articles.

Hinduism Beliefs

Introduction to Hinduism

Nurture Your SoulCreate Peace of Mind

The majority of people believe humans have a soul. There is significant controversy, however, on the souls impact or whether as humans we impact the souls growth or lack there of. Those who practice spirituality believe we are human beings having a spiritual experience and we are spiritual beings having a human experience. Such movies as: Ghost, Sixth Sense, What The Bleep Do We Know?, City of Angels and others illuminate this belief.

Nurturing the soul is as important as healthy nutrition, exercising and sleep. The souls sole purpose is to create spiritual/emotional growth. The sense of well-being and happiness emanates from the soul to the psyche. If the soul is ignored or malnourished the psyche and ultimately the body suffers.

The most effective way to nurture the soul is through spirituality. Spirituality is the God-related science of developing and freeing the God-made innermost beingthe core of usMade in the image of God." Love creates, all else destroys. Love cannot co-exist with other premises simultaneously; therefore, God is only love. The fly in the ointment of human existence verses in spiritual formas Godis the "ego. The ego is essential to navigate the vicissitudes in physical life. However, the ego is what gets us into trouble. The truth is: All life on earth serves the sole purpose of developing our spirituality to the point of being free of spiritual ignorance, free of selfish or destructive behavioral (ego) patterns, free to return to our eternal home in God. True spirituality leads to freedom in God.

True God-related spirituality is achieved by means of scientifically applying spiritual teachings and spiritual techniques that fosters the ego to vanish in the fire of divine love and ego-oriented spirita.k.a. intellectto be replaced by the Holy Spirit. Such true spiritual teachings can only be affected by a true connection to our innermost self. Because all humankind is God-made, Spirituality is our true nature and spiritual development is the most direct way to solutions of love and peace in all creation.
Prayer, Meditation, Gratitude, Spending time in natureincluding near fire and water are practices to create spiritual/emotional health.

Prayer: Researcher and mind/body medicine expert Herbert Benson, M.D. found that regular prayer or the repetition of spiritual phrases such as "Shalom," or "Hail Mary," triggers relaxation and reduces stress. Make prayer a time of personal conversation with God, state your need or concern and ask for divine intervention. Acknowledge all you have to be grateful for and give thanks for that which you desire. Giving thanks is more effective than asking for what you desire. God knows what you need before you need it and has already sent it to youtherefore giving thanks acknowledges what you havent seen yet. Establishing a regular prayerful routine is important.

Meditation: Researched for centuries, meditation is proven to have physiological benefits, including stress-relief, improved immune and cardiovascular function, relaxation, and decreased pain. Regular meditation practice leads to new insights about life issues (often resulting in the healing of past emotional trauma), heightened creativity, inspiration, greater compassion for others, and a greater connection to one's own inner guidance. There are a plethora of books and classes on meditation practices.

Gratitude: The state of being grateful; thankfulness. (The American Heritage Dictionary) In the push and pulls of life we seldom realize that we receive a great deal more than we give, and that it is only with gratitude that life becomes rich. Looking at the glass as half empty albeit is half full assures us, we will live with a sense of lack.

"Gratitude is our most direct line to God and the angels. If we take the time, no matter how crazy and troubled we feel, we can find something to be thankful for. The more we seek gratitude, the more reason the angels will give us for gratitude and joy to exist in our lives." --Terry Lynn Taylor

"Gratitude unlocks the fullness of life. It turns what we have into enough, and more. It turns denial into acceptance, chaos to order, confusion to clarity. It can turn a meal into a feast, a house into a home, a stranger into a friend. Gratitude makes sense of our past, brings peace for today, and creates a vision for tomorrow." --Melody Beattie

Time in nature: The most visible manifestation of spirit is nature, where we most fully encounter and interact with life's primal energies in the forms of earth, water, fire, and air. Walking/hiking are easy and practical ways of reconnecting with nature and the earth, as are gardening, biking, camping and boating. Spending regular amounts of time outdoors within a natural setting, you enable yourself to better appreciate the rhythms of life, including your own.

Modern living prevents us from a balanced life. Time in nature restores that balance, while also deepening our connection with Spirit. Being near the water is a spiritually healthy experience, due to water's higher concentration of negative ions. Swimming in natural water or soaking in a mineral hot spring provides therapeutic benefits for a variety of ailments.

Exposure to a campfire or fireplace has health benefits. Leonard Orr discovered that fire cleanses the bio-energy field of negative energies, and is a powerful aid in curing physical disease. Orr recommends spending a few hours each day near fire. Fire is also an important component of the vision quests Native Americans undertake to connect with the Great Spirit and discover their life purpose.

Air is the closest expression of Spirit. Clean air is essential to health on all levels, and practicing conscious breathing is a potent self-care method for restoring energy and making you more aware of the power of Spirit as it flows through you.

Regular exposure to the four elements creates consciousness of Spirit's loving intelligence to sustain the world, while more deeply recognizing our place within it.

Given busy lives in todays world there are several techniques to use until one can engage with the four elements. The following techniques relax, revitalize and remove blocked energy.

Craniosacral TreatmentRelieves blockages caused by stress in the craniosacral system. Discovered by Dr. John Upledger in 1980, this system includes the cerebrospinal fluid that surrounds the brain and spinal cord.

Reiki Chakra TreatmentJapanese spiritual healing technique, energy is channeled from master to student, cleansing the bodys chakrasspecific energy modes inside the body. Creates reduced stress and a stronger bridge to your inner being.

The Sound of Peaceful Healinga 120-minute sensory journey that uses sound, touch and smell to revive the senses and restore a feeling of calm.

Massage: Acupressurebased on acupuncture without needles, Deep Tissue, Reflexology, Swedish, Shiatsu, Aquatic Shiatsu,Trigger Point/Myotherapy, Rolfing.

Engaging in one or more of the soul nourishing activitiesPrayer, Meditation, Gratitude, Spending time in nature, including near fire and waterdaily will create soul/spiritual/ emotional health and you will enjoy a highly enriched and enriching life.

Dorothy M. Neddermeyer specializes in: Mind, Body, and Spirit healing for Individuals, Special Issues and Professional Coaching. As an inspirational leader, Dr. Neddermeyer empowers people to view life's challenges as an opportunity for Personal/Professional Growth and Spiritual Awakening. http://www.drdorothy.net

Spirituality Information - Murder Your Motivation

For ten years i made the same mistake again and again.... I cannot recall a single morning when i got up full of energy and raring to go. There was nothing which motivated me. I used to work for the best companies across the world but they mattered very little deep down within me. I wanted to do something else, something so big and so unique that has never been done before. The biggest mistake i made was I thought that i can achieve all my dreams only if do it full time and quit my job.... I did not have the guts to quit my job and so i just thought and thought about my dream and did nothing else about it ... One fine day however ....

It was Jan 12th 2004. I was doing very well as an employee. Great salaries,top position and it was all looking very good for me from the outside. But my deepest intention of being a full time motivational writer remained only a thought and nothing more.... I can still recall that day . I was so frustrated that i locked myself in a room and screamed to my dreams within" Never again bother me . Get out of my life and let be be the ordinary man i always was.Get lost right now !" I stabbed my dreams a dozen times and murdered it so that it never troubled me again....

By evening of that day i was feeling very light as if a huge responsibility had been taken away from my shoulders. I killed my dreams and now i was free.. I had no pressure. It seemed to me that I was carrying a mountain of dreams for the last seven years without fulfilling any of them. I felt as if it was the best thing to happen to me.. Now watch what happened during the next two weeks...

Jan 13th 2004.... I get up at 4.30 am . I am so happy . I dont know why.... I listen to my favourite music and then I sit for meditation. I head to my workplace after having breakfast..

Jan 14th 2004.... I get up again at 5.00 am and am feeling very calm within. I dont know why....

This continued for two weeks and then on ....

Jan 28th 2004.... Something very strange happened in my morning meditation. It was as if someone entered into me from outside and was not willing to go out..... The experience was very strange....That someone i later realised was my Inspiration, my real goal, my dream, my life and my purpose in this world.That was my real intention and God was kind enough to reveal it to me. From that day on a voice within spoke continuously to me that my real purpose in life is to build centres where Life changing thoughts are preached and that help will come as i gain strength and momentum in my internal world... This experience did not leave from then on... It caught me by the neck and reminded me of my real intention every day.... Slowly but surely i made progress in my internal world. I did not experience any frustration.... Now i had a great dream, and the plans for achieving those dreams were revealed daily to me from a source far greater than me which was genuine. These plans did not come all at a stretch but they came in bits and pieces as was necessary . I was warned from that day on that i will listen to two voices and i should be capable of recognising the force of God...

Within one year i quit my job. I did not try hard to quit my job . My job disappeared all by itself.. I am still far of from reaching my goals but i have a dream and it just does go out not even if i scream or stab it a dozen times. This dream is genuine and rock solid .....

The two most important definitions you have to learn in life are Motivation and Inspiration. Motivation is when you go after a goal,or a dream and set plans to achieve it.... This could be many times frustrating and on most occassions even after you achieve your so called dreams you are not happy. But inspiration is something totally different... In the case of Inspiration the dream gets hold of you instead of you going after the dreams. It works its way inside of you and just does not leave you. You are forced to take action.... Inspiration is genuine and is the force of God ... Motivation is good but is man made...

Don't go after things in circle. Murder your motivation today to allow Inspiration to take over. It could be the best thing that could happen to you.... Motivation is cheap, inspiration is genuine. When you are motivated you have to run after things, when you are inspired things work in your favour. Both good and bad events take you to your dreams... It might take a while for you to experience all this but this knowledge should be nailed at the back of your mind....

There are three basic steps you could take starting today as you proceed to murder your motivation.

Lecturer, entrepreneur and Fortune 500 business consultant, Vish Writer is the author of the Amazon No 1 bestseller, "The Joy of Becoming God" For more information, visit: http://www.spiritual-simplicity.com http://www.vish-writer.com

You Can Do It If You Want Video

Get off your butt and start your life in motion today.

Question Your Religion

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Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a motivation help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Getting Up Earlier

Five Things You Should Know About Your Religion - Ask Yourself Some Simple Questions

Most of us are raised from children into adulthood, to believe in someone else's religion. Most of us never even got the chance to choose a religion or spiritual beliefs to follow on our own. I came up with a simple list of five things that you should know about your religion, or you shouldn't be allowed to practice it.

1. Where did your religion or spiritual beliefs originate from? You should find out who started your religion and why they started it. Some of the worlds major religions were started by intelligent people. Do you think it's possible that your religion was created by an intelligent person, instead of a supreme being or multiple gods. Someone's just trying to trick you into believing.

2. How did you get involved in your religion or spiritual beliefs? Was it part of your upbringing, did your parents suggest this religion to you, how long has your family been involved in your current religious beliefs. Was your great, great, great, great, great grandfather or grandmother part of this religion or spiritual belief. How far back does it go in your family?

3. Do you believe in your religious doctrine or scripture? Is there any parts of your religious scriptures, writings or communication from other fellow believers that doesn't sit right with you? Does every part of your religion makes sense and can it be explained sensibly to someone outside of your religion?

4. Do you practice what you believe on a daily basis? If you're supposed to read your scriptures or pray daily, do you? If your religion teaches love and compassion, how do you treat people less fortunate than yourselves? Are you one of those people who can justify your wrong doings, to yourself and others, to give them the illusion, that you are a religious or spiritual person.

5. Do you know where you are going after you die? Are you going to someplace wonderful and extraordinary, like heaven? If you had to earn enough credits or points, do you think you have acquired enough, to enter the next level of existence? If you're bad, are you going to a bad place, with all the other bad people?

Try to always keep one thing in mind do you use, religion and responsibly.

These are just some of the answers, that I sincerely believe most people should know about their religion or beliefs. You should be able to answer at least one of these questions if asked by a nonbeliever.

Greg Vanden Berge is a published author, internet marketing expert, motivational inspiration to millions of people all over the world and is sharing some of his wisdom with experts in the fields of writing,marketing, and personal development.

Greg is currently working on a spiritual religious articles filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Caring For Loving People

What's so Important about Learning - Zig Ziglar Video

Zig Ziglar explains how the learned will inherit the earth.

Greg is currently working on a self help library filled with great subjects on a wide array of topics, like religion, self help and spiritual changes in the world. His views on religious freedom are slowly changing the way people think about institutional religion.

Charles Lindbergh
Katrina Kenison

The Freedom to Think

When I hear the positive thinking gurus many of whom I hold in high esteem - speak on their topic, they often ignore a fundamental component of positive, empowered thinking. That component is freedom. Sometimes, in the rush to tie positive thinking to tangible benefits, they can sound like the NASA administrator looking for congressional funding for some program. They promise health, wealth, and happiness in return for your efforts.

The result of positive, empowered thinking might, indeed, be that you are healthier, happier, or wealthier, but the real benefit is that you are a free, empowered person.

Has it ever occurred to you that positive thinking is a freedom issue? What could be more freeing than the ability to command your own thought processes and use them to build the life you want? The power to think for oneself has been among the fundamental battles of humankind from the beginning. Since time immemorial rulers, religious bodies, or the group have sought to limit the power of the individual to think his or her own thoughts.

Our mainstream culture, in a nation that supposedly values freedom, demonstrates a consistent pattern of assault on that ability. The pressure is to conform and think like everyone else. The empowered, positive-thinking person always has the ability to override the external chatter and focus on creating the thoughts, words, and actions that best suits his or her needs. In short, these people have the power to create life rather than react to it.

Negative thinking, which is really synonymous with not having command of your own thoughts, is extremely disempowering even debilitating. Why? Think about when a negative thought comes to mind. The emotions and feelings associated with the thought start to rise. Who is in control at that moment; you or the negative thought?

The fact is that people who think for themselves (i.e. positive, empowered people) are independent, capable individuals who can achieve just about anything. People who allow societal norms or other people to do their thinking for them (i.e. negative thinkers) quickly become dependent and unable to move forward in their lives.

This principle can be applied to any area of your life. If you want to be a better football player, is thinking positively or negatively about your skills more likely to get you there? How about being a better spouse or a better sales person?

When looked at in this vein it becomes clear that the ability to develop, manage, and maintain your own thinking tends towards greater personal freedom. That freedom is the basis on which greater achievement is possible.

Ray Davis is a writer, poet, and thinker based in the American Midwest. His writing advocates the principles of personal freedom and spiritual development. He has developed B2B sales traning programs for a Fortune 40 company for nearly seven years. Prior to that he was a top producing sales rep for six years. He is the founder of The Affirmation Spot http://www.theaffirmationspot.com

Affirmations are positive statements that inspire and motivate people to take active steps to enhance professional and recreational performance, strive to achieve goals, face challenges, modify or reinforce behavior, and improve the general quality of life. They are thought vitamins that fortify your mind the same way vitamins fortify your body.