No Limits

I begin with an interesting question. What are your limits? It would be nice to say you don't have any. However, each one us can admit to having something that limits us from accomplishing what we want to accomplish.

Admitting to your limitations is not a problem. The problem is when you start putting limits on what you believe God can do. The truth is...God has no limits. and when you leave your goals and desires in His hands, you are allowing His unlimited power to make it happen. The only limits are the ones that you place in your mind.

I remind you again that in God's eyes there is no such thing lack. He only understands unlimited abundance and power. Limitation and lack are only illusions we place in our own minds. Negative outcomes are caused because instead of focusing on God’s provision, we focus on the negative ideas of our own minds.

Upon saying this, I will share the good news. You have full control of what you allow to enter your mind. So why not allow empowering positive thoughts over the limiting beliefs of lack that often creep in. The key is to seek God, summon His unlimited power, and dwell on the fact that He is readily willing to provide abundantly more than you can ever seek or ask. The possibilities are unlimited! Enjoy the blessings :)

For further information about allowing God's great abundance to manifest in your life quickly, I recommend you check out this free e-book, The Ease and Keys of Rapid Manifestation. You will find a proven formula recommended by many experts in utilizing the power that is within you.

Perfect House Cleaning

I heard a great story on the radio the other day. It talked about the owner of a large house. It was a beautiful house, but the owner left it dirty and cluttered. As a result, he couldn't enjoy the comforts of that beautiful home. One day, a house cleaner came to the house after the owner had left. This person cleaned the house spotlessly. It's beauty was restored and all of the clutter was gone. This house cleaner was not looking for any reward. He just did this cleaning from the kindness of his heart and because of his genuine love for the homeowner. At the end of the day, the homeowner returned. You would think that he would be extremely satisfied and grateful. Instead, he still focused on the negatives of the home and quickly began to restore the clutter that was removed. How would you feel if you the house cleaner that went out of your way to do all that beautiful work? I think I know what your answer would be.

The speaker then compares this story with us and God. We are a beautiful dwelling. However, sometimes we are disorganized and full of clutter. We let these negatives get in the way enjoying the freedoms and joys of life. God is the house cleaner. Through the death of His son on the cross, we are completely forgiven and cleaned. All of the negative junk and clutter is removed. Yet just as the homeowner in the story above ignored the efforts of the loving cleaner, we also often disregard the wonderful gift God has given us of complete restoration.

We are offended when we give gifts or service that is taken for granted or disregarded by the recipient. How do you think God feels when we disregard His beautiful gift of forgiveness and restoration?

Think about this as you go through life. Be sure to accept the loving gift of God's forgiveness, love, and mercy. Enjoy the wonderful joy and freedom that this provides. Don't think you have to be perfect, but also don't let the negative clutter of your life bring you down. Ask for cleansing. God will immediately respond, and once you are cleaned enjoy the benefits of the beautiful dwelling you are, and share them with others. You will blessed beyond belief. Enjoy the blessings : )

Don't Say No To A Miracle

There are times when I will read a Bible passage that I've read countless times before, and something is brought to my attention that I never noticed before. I read such a story recently.

The story is in Matthew 9 about two blind men who asked Jesus to bring them sight. As soon as they see Jesus, they immediately cry out to Him for the miracle of sight. Jesus acknowledges them, but delays in His response. In fact, He even leaves them to go to someone else's house.

At this point the blind mind realize that Jesus has left them. They have a choice. They can believe that Jesus has passed them by and they are forever doomed to their current situation. Or they can pursue it further. These men were bold. They continued to chase down Jesus, and were even bold enough to enter the home where Jesus was. Their attitude seemed to be, "excuse me Jesus. We asked for your help, and we're not going to stop until we are healed." Was Jesus upset or angry that these men chased Him down? Absolutely not. In fact, his response was the opposite. He commended these men for their faith, and immediately healed them. It is from this story that a popular verse is located. Matthew 9:29 says "according to your faith it will be done for you".

I believe we need to have the same persistence as these men did if we want to see miracles in our own lives. If we do, we will be rewarded for our faith. One key thought is this...don't be discouraged if you don't see an answer right away. Jesus delayed with these men to test their faith. They passed with flying colors. In some cases we may see a miracle right away. However, we may be asked to wait as well. If so, keep persisting as these men did, and know that your faith will be rewarded at the right time.

Remember that Jesus will not be offended when you ask for His mighty works in your life. Just like He did with these blind men, He will commend your for your faith and reward you accordingly. Enjoy the blessings : )

Disappearing Time

Some of the worst words a teacher can here are...summer vacation is over. It hurts to say it. It hurts to think it. Don't get me wrong. I like what I do. I appreciate the fact that I am lucky to have a job, especially with what seems like billions of teachers losing theirs. Still, summer vacation is my favorite time of year. I love the peace of knowing I can go at my own pace, I am stress-free, and have much more time for personal enjoyment.

All good things must come to an end. This is my last week of summer vacation, and the hurried pace has already begun. The part time job I've had this summer has all of a sudden provided full time work. And I need to make some preparations before going back to school on Monday.

However, all is not lost. I have sworn to myself that I will be a much better time manager when school starts. Yes, I've said this before, and it seems like I became worse. This time is different. A while ago I shared a great tip from an author about time management. He suggested breaking the day into 15 minute chunks of time. 15 minutes is enough to accomplish something, and short enough to get back on track if we stray. When we consciously focus on those 15 minute bits of time and plan accordingly, it is amazing how much more we can get done. After a while it becomes habit.

What's to gain? First, we are least likely to procrastinate. The result is then peace of mind. Remember how positive you feel when the to-do list is taken care of? This instead of the stress you feel when it's not, and you have those uncompleted tasks clogging your mind. Also, when the necessary things are done, you will find that you have more time to enjoy yourself and do those fun things you've been putting off. You can't lose!

As I said, all good things must come to an end. However, the time management lessons I learn over the next few weeks could be the start of great things. I challenge anyone else to take this same step. Break your day into 15 minute sections. Try to accomplish something in each of them. I definitely believe it will help you as it helps me when I stay disciplined with this approach.

Have an excellent day!

Can Money Fall From Trees?

I wrote a blog post the other day about maintaining the correct mindset to bring more money into your life. In that post I said that, even though the thought process must be right, one must take necessary action because money doesn't just fall from trees. Well, I may have lied.

When we have the correct mindset about money, interesting things happen. Today when I went through our incoming mail, I found a letter addressed to my wife and I. There was no return address. Inside was an anonymous note saying we may need some help with school supplies. This along with two $100 bills.

My thoughts about money have been good lately. Was it my thoughts that brought the money to me? Partially. As I mentioned in that previous blog (see "A Free Way To Increase Your Income), when we pray and maintain correct thoughts it helps develop the faith necessary for miracles. Along with correct thinking, I believe it is important to know who this money was from. Not so much the human individual. I will probably never know who sent this. I have some ideas, but the people I'm thinking of would be too humble to ever admit they sent it and would never tell. Regardless, I have asked God to bless whoever it is a thousand times over. I know He will do that. Speaking of God, I credit Him for this blessing. I believe it was His idea in the first place, and He planted the idea and resources into my mysterious blesser's hands. I have not stopped thanking Him all day.

Based on my faithful thoughts, I expected to receive some extra money. I did not expect to receive it this way. That's the cool thing about God's miracles. We often receive them in ways we would never expect.

The last thing I will say about this is the wonderful snowball effect this action has. The giver is blessed by God for his/her actions. I have certainly been blessed. Now I am inspired to do the same for others. When I see someone with similar needs, I will be more inclined to share my money, time, and talents. They will then be blessed at that time. And hopefully, others will be blessed and inspired simply by reading this, and then bless others by sharing it with them.

So...when you are near the trees, look up! You never know what might be falling from them. Enjoy the blessings : )

No Such Thing As Impossible

I was listening to a great song by the Christian music group Kutless. It's called "What Faith Can Do". It's a very inspirational song about the power of faith.

I've heard this song many times, but especially noticed one of the lines in the song for the first time. It says.."impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try".

I don't know about you, but I procrastinate more than I should. I find that many of the times I do, it's because I'm afraid of failing or I'm not exactly sure that things will turn out right. Instead, if I demonstrated the faith I say I have, I would know that all things are possible, and I would be much quicker to act.

I remind myself, and anyone reading this....nothing is impossible!!! The key Bible verse says, with God all things are possible. Remember this next time you think of putting something off, especially a goal, a dream, or anything that will bring more positivty into your world.

Knowing that impossible is not a word, don't use it as an excuse to not try or to delay necessary actions. Instead, have faith and act accordingly. God will make all things possible and guide you every step of the way. Then you will see great things happen. As the main theme of the Kutless song says..."that's what faith can do". Enjoy the blessings!

A Free Way To Increase Your Income

Are you someone who is looking to make money online? It is my dream to make an excellent living from the comfort of my own home, and I strongly believe it will happen one day.

There are a billion ads online advertising ways to make increase your income. Many seem like they could work. The problem is, in almost all cases, you have to pay a fee to buy a program or get the magic formula. I know you have to spend money to make money, but if I spent it on all of these opportunities I would go broke instead of making the money I am looking for.

I will say that there is a free way to increase your income, and it doesn't take much effort. In fact, you can have lots of fun with this. Are you ready?.....

As I continue to read and study the mind and its power, I see more and more how we can use our minds to accomplish anything. This is not something that one book says. I have read about 30 (and counting), and they ALL say it!! Even the greatest book of all, the Bible, clearly outlines benefits of positive thoughts.

So how can just thinking about money bring it to you? From what I'm reading, it's a subconscious thing. You may be thinking...so money is going to fall from the sky just because I am thinking about it? I wish it was that easy. However, the more we see ourselves with the money in our imagination, the more likely we are to see it show up in our lives. It's not about willing it into our lives. It's not about figuring out how we can keep it all to ourselves. And it's not about just sittting around waiting for it. It is about generating good, positive feelings about money. It is about figuring out how we will use it to bless ourselves and others. And it is about developing faith and taking necessary action according to that faith.

Faith is exactly what happens when we think positive thoughts about money, or anything. I shared recently that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. I wrote that our thoughts are substance, and our desires are things hoped for. When we see money in our imagination, we are creating that evidence. Remember that our subconscious cannot tell the difference between what is real or imagined. The more you imagine it, the more you start to believe you can have it. Once you have that faith, pray for and seek opportunities to make it happen. Be sure to act immediately on the answers and guidance you receive from your intuition. I believe that intuition is the voice of God guiding and directing you.

I have seen this work in my own life. As I rid myself of negative money thoughts, and replace them with postive ones, I gradually see more money coming into my life. The more I maintain these positive thoughts, the more opportunities I receive. The same is true for anyone.

So instead of paying for those money-making opportunities and hoping they work out, see yourself as the prosperous person you want to be. Mentally experience the great things it will bring. Imagine the blessing you can be to the people in your life. Then act on the opportunities that inevitably follow. The more you keep these positive thoughts in your head, the faster you will see the results you are looking for. How much does this wonderful opportunity cost? It's free!

Enjoy the blessings!!

A Way To Benefit From The Past

I often write on this site about the importance of focusing on the present instead of the past. However, I do a little mental exercise every once in a while that does focus on past events. I find it very helpful.

We often focus on the negatives of our past. The mistakes we've made; the people we've let down; the could have, should haves. However, for each of us, there are events in our past we are proud of. The times we've accomplished the goal; people we've helped; the successes. It is these that I focus on.

Sometimes I like to play a little game. I am very good at associating songs with the time of my life that they were popular. The game is, when a song comes on the radio, I bring myself back to that time of my life and re-live what I was doing, what I was feeling, who I was with, etc. It is very powerful, as I actually re-live some of those feelings, especially as I review some of the happier times of my life.

I recommend this activity (or something like it) to anyone. Remember a time in your life when things were good and you were extra positive and successful. Then feel the joy and positive emotions again as you re-live it. With this activity some may say I am going against my philosophy and I am living in the past again. If so, I understand. The key is to bring those same feelings to the present, and maintain them. This is especially true if you are having more negative feelings during these prsent days.

As we maintain positive emotions, we see positive events in our lives and receive positive feedback from those around us. We may not experience the same successes as in the past, but we receive new ones instead. Sometimes the new ones are even more rewarding.

The bottom line is that, when we maintain positive emotions, our overall life turns out that way. This exercise helps us use the past to do so. Instead of using the past to remind you of your past mistakes, use it to remind yourself of the confidence and power that is within you. Know that you can use it as much today as you did in your glory days. If you maintain positive emotions, these present days can be called your glory days. Enjoy the blessings : )

Drilling Positive Messages Into Your Head

There are several keys to maintaining a positive attitude. One is to keep reminding yourself of the power and confidence you have. The problem with that is that often a small (or sometimes big) voice immediately comes back and says..."no you're not!" Then you are right back where you started.

How do you combat that negative voice? I have found subliminal messages very helpful. They work because the positive messages bypass the negative voice and go straight to the subconscious. As a result, the desired attittudes dominate your mind instead of the negative ones.

Here's an example of a positive video that's helped me. Enjoy!

http://youtu.be/qcY9ruWCtEs

Is It Really Good To Be Generous?

We all admire people who are generous. Generosity is an admirable quality because it is in indication of a person putting others ahead of themselves. However, does it get us anywhere? Does it really make a difference? After all, it is not easy to sacrifice our own needs to focus on the needs of others. And sometimes there is a price to pay.

This information may answer the question. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.

This verse sums it up well. The more willing we are to be generous, the more we will see it in our own lives. However, if we read on, we will see that there are further benefits. Verses 10-11 say...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.

What does this mean? It tells me that the more generous one is, the more God will provide. God is already able to trust us with what He gives us, and will give us more because He knows we will be generous with that as well. The best part of this whole concept to me is that, by being generous, we glorify God. We bring attention to Him and potentially attract others to Him because our generosity is noticed!

If you are looking to make your Father proud and have positive impacts on His kingdom, then share as much as you can with others. And it doesn't always have to be money. It can be your time, talents, and smile. Anything that you give to others makes a difference. Either way, it's a win-win situation. The people in your life benefit from your generosity, and your own life is showered with blessings.

Knowing this, see what kind of a difference you can make today. Enjoy the blessings : )

Moving On

This entry is basically a continuation from yesterday's. It was a bit of a difficult day. However, do I dwell on it? No way!

If I know what's good for me, I'm moving on. I learn from the mistakes, but I am not dwelling on them. Instead, there are plenty of things to accomplish today, and plenty of blessings to be received. It's those positives I focus on today.

When we dwell on our past mistakes, it's like running in the ocean, against the waves. You may take a few steps forward, but you won't get far, and you'll be completely worn out. You may even end up being pushed backwards and lose ground. Instead, when you let go of those past mistakes and focus on God's positive energy, that energy is like floating in a downstream current. With very little effort, you are carried towards your goal, getting there much faster.

Let us move on today...with the flow!! Enjoy the blessings when you get there : )

Gone and Forgotten

Did you ever experience a day with lots of promise, but it doesn't quite turn out that way? And there is no one to blame for it but yourself?

I experienced a day like that today. Nothing major, just some mistakes made and opportunities missed.

The positive part about it, is that I caught the mistakes right away. As soon as I did, I prayed to God for forgiveness. When I did that, I immediately felt a re-assuring calm. My mistakes were gone at that moment. Will I make them again? If I'm honest I'll say maybe. Or even probably. Regardless, the mistakes I made today are gone and forgotten by God. Forever.

Is it really this simple? I answer with a definite yes. The only complications are the ones we add. This basic verse says it...“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). It's up to us to ask. The rest is taken care of by God.

It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and try to avoid doing them again in the future. However, why should we continue to dwell on them and affect our present happiness when God has already forgotten our shortcomings? Instead, let us learn and move on, instead focusing on success. If we do, we are more likely to experience that success.

Have a great day : )

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The Ease and Keys of Rapid Manifestation

Faithful Thoughts

There is much information available about how our thoughts can impact our lives and help us realize our goals and desires. Some people are very successful in doing so, while others say they try to use their thoughts for good things in life, but they still don't see the results. What's the missing ingredient?

In many cases, it is faith. I know because I have struggled in this area sometimes. My question then is, how does one develop their faith? After all, God Himself says He who lacks faith should not expect to receive anything from the Lord (James 1:7). I have found that prayer is one good way. God has responded when I have gone to Him admitting my lack of faith and asking for help in that area. Another way to increase faith is to focus on some of the inspirational verses in the Bible.

Another great technique I have seen recently is actually using our thoughts to develop our faith. Faith is described in the Bible as the substance of things hoped for, and the evidence of things unseen (Hebrews 11:1). When we focus on a thought, we are actually creating a substance of something hoped for. And when we see something in our imagination, it can be considered as evidence of something unseen. Put this together, and you have faith!

How do we use this to empower our lives? First of all, I read more and more how our subconscious mind cannot tell the difference between a real or imagined experience. The more it sees something happening, even if it's just in the imagination, the more you believe it to be true. By doing this consistently, and remaining focused on those positive thoughts, you will eventually live accordingly, and eventually receive what you are seeking. When we do this consistently, we are not only thinking good, positive thoughts, but we are also adding that faith element to it. With this combination, only great things can happen.

Try spending some quiet time each day reflecting on the ideal life. However, you want your life to be, imagine the experience as it is already happening. Feel the feelings of joy as if you were actually receiving the money you need, the job you are seeking, the ideal relationship, or the perfect weight. It's all you have to do. Keep seeing it every day until it actually occurs. Create that substance of what you hope for, and the evidence of your realized desire. This, besides prayer and any necessary action is you playing your part. When you pray, you are asking God to do His part, which He will gladly do according to His will. Before long, your goals will be manifested. If it's not exactly as you imagined, or as fast as you would like that's ok. It usually means God has something better, or some things need to fall in place first. Either way, you can't lose.

This method has worked for me, especially lately. I recommend you try this formula and use it in your own life if you are not already. Then...enjoy the blessings : )

What Is There To be Happy About?

I am reading a great deal lately about the importance of gratitude. The information consistently says that, the more we are happy and thankful for what we already have, the happier we will feel. We are also more likely to continue to receive more of what makes us happy.

The question is..what do we have in our lives to be happy about? For some, answers come easily. This is not the case for others. I saw a book in the store today called "14,000 Things To Be Happy About". It talked about the big things, like family and friends. However, to get that many things to be happy about, you have to dig deep. They did, and mentioned things like cool breezes, supermarkets, bookstores, etc. It's a great idea, but there can't be 14,000 things to be happy about. Is it possible?

This is where I have to disagree with the author. There cannot be 14,000 ways. Instead, I believe...there must be more!! When I think about this further, the things that make me happy are (or should be) unlimited. The key to achieving this happiness is to find as many ways as possible to be happy, and finding as many things as possible to be thankful for. As this book showed, we can be thankful for the smallest of things. I find that, when I am thankful for even the smallest things, those little things that get under my skin, don't quite get to me. Those little pains in the neck aren't felt so much any more.

It is very true. The more gratitude we show, the happier we are. Let us focus on the things (big and small) we can be thankful for. As a result, we will see more of them in our lives. Enjoy the blessings : )

How To Bring Out the Best In Others

In every area of our lives, we want to see the best in the people around us. This is true in relationships with our spouse, kids, and parents. At our job with our boss, those that work for us, or our customers. Or anywhere else we deal with people.

How do we experience the best in others? I've made a list of some effective practices I've learned from my reading, and from my own experience. Notice how they are all actions that WE take:

Love and appreciate them.
Serve them.
Be YOUR best.
Listen to them.
Pray for them.

This is a short list, and you can add others to it. I have found that when I am getting the best out of myself, and I direct those positive energies to those around me, it brings out the best in them. Then we are all easier to live and work with : )

He's On Our Side

I find it interesting when old, obscure songs just pop into my head. This happened today. I was reminded of a spunky little rocker from the 80s named Fiona. I played her on my college radio station, and she received mild airplay on some other stations. I would put a sample here, except she is so obsure that I could not even find her on YouTube.

Anyway, she had a song called "He's On My Side". It may or may not have been intended as a Christian song. Regardless, I was reminded of it today by a Bible verse I read today in Psalms 84:11...the Lord bestows favor and honor. No good thing does He withhold from he whose walk is upright. This verse tells me that He is on our side. It tells us that, as long we are walking with Him and being obedient (even doing our best to be obedient because none of us are completely obedient) we have His blessing.

Remember this when you pray, and as you go about your day. I know that when I consciously focus on His presence, and know that I have His favor, I feel a strong confidence which affects my life in all areas. My relationships are better. I perform better at my job. I am at peace with myself. I feel stronger and healthier. The list can go on. The same is true for anyone else. Keep in mind today that God is on you side and wants to bless you today. Then live in that confidence and peace. Enjoy the blessings : )

Where's My Miracle?

I was reminded of this today, and wanted to share...just because your miracle hasn't arrived yet doesn't mean you won't receive it. Have patience and faith, and you will see your miracle somehow, some way : )

Is It Ok to Boast?

Is It Ok to Boast?

A Definition Of The Spirit of Power

I've often shared one of my favorite (as my regular readers can tell I have many favorites) Bible verses as 2 Timothy 1:7. It says...for God did not give us a spirit of timidity, but a spirit of power, love, and self-discipline.

One may ask..what does one mean by a spirit of power? I have always seen it as the power of God that dwells in and around us. However, I read an article recently that has helped me gain an additional understanding and application of this concept. I found this article by Diane Langberg in my Couples Devotional Bible. She refers to this "spirit" as "the dominant tendency of the mind". She then stresses that is an attitude built upon the assumption that I am a person created by God, a joint heir with Christ, and an important part of this Body. Finally, she says that it is only when we set our minds on exercising that spirit of power, love, and self-control that emotions (especially negative ones) will cease to be the ruling force in our lives.

I find this information very interesting. I've seen in my own life that when my own emotions are the ruling force in my life, I fall short of where I want to be. When I focus my mind on this awesome power that I have, then I excel, even when negative situations arise. It is then where my faith is strong, I am quick to act, and my life and the lives of those around me are positively impacted.

Let us follow the advice of "setting our minds on exercising that spirit of power, love, and self-control. How do we do it? Take time-outs through the day and reflect on God and His goodness. Thank Him for His awesome power that is part of every one of us. If possible, find a block of time each day to reflect on Him, read His word, and meditate on His greatness. I try to find 15-30 minutes. If that is not possible, even taking 5-10 can still make a difference on your frame of mind.

The best part is that God wants us to be vessels of His power to do good works and have positive impacts. He will make sure it happens as long as we act and we maintain a positive, faithful mind. Focus on this verse all day, and watch the great things happen. Please share when they do. Enjoy the blessings : )

Lessons From Papa

Today is the 17th anniversary of my grandfather's death. Obviously he's been on my mind a lot today. We got along great, and I still miss him very much. We had very similiar personalitles, from our sensitivity, love of people, and sense of humor that have some laughing, and others being driven up the wall.

As I reflect on the memories today, there are three main areas where I believe he has had a great influence on me:

1. Generosity - I think he focused less on himself than anyone else. He never had much money, but he would have given the world to those he loved if he could have. Still, he often practiced generosity almost every time I saw him, which was quite often. He was also a people pleaser, and was very sensitive to responding to the needs of others.

2. Sense of humor - Although he took his life responsibilities seriously, he would do ANYTHING to make someone laugh. The funny thing is that he would be laughing right along with them. Even when life was tough, he never took things TOO seriously. At least I never saw it.

3. He fought for what he believed in - Whether it was fighting for his country (he fought in WWII), or defending his family, he never backed down from a challenge, especially if it regarded his faith, family, or friends.

I am very thankful for the memories of my papa, and especially for the valuable lessons he taught me. I hope I can carry out this excellent example in my own life. Thanks Papa : )