How Should We Live: A New Approach

To answer the question "How should we live", we have first to answer another question: "What for do we live? Is there any purpose in our life?" That last question has obsessed the Man, as people who deal with such matters know, since he started to think. Even a kind of science has created for that purpose, Teleology, which started in ancient Greece around the era of Plato and Aristotle and reappeared in Europe in 18th century.

Despite the Man's efforts up to now, however, he has not succeeded to give any serious answer to the question whether there is any purpose in our life or not, and what for do we live. On the contrary, the conclusion that derives from what scientists and scholars say up to now is unfortunately one and disappointing: We do not know whether there is any purpose in our life. Maybe there is, maybe there is not.

We face after that a great question: How should we live since we do not know whether there is any purpose in our life? In this article we will see the most suitable answer according to my opinion. First, however, we have to take things from the beginning.

Is there any purpose in our life or not?

We start with teleology. (The word derives from Greek telos = end and logos = reason). According to the followers of teleology, to the question whether there is any purpose in our life, the answer is yes: The Man has some purpose in his life - he does not live aimlessly. That view supported not only by Aristotle (he is commonly considered the inventor of teleology, although the precise term originated in the eighteenth century), but also later by other philosophers, like Kant, Leibniz, Spinoza, and others. However, that view by the followers of teleology is not based on scientifically confirmed facts - it is simply a view. Maybe therefore, it is correct - maybe it is not.

The same view as the teleology is also supported by most religions of the world. They argue that God has given a certain purpose to Man - the Man does not live aimlessly here. But those religions base their position to the fact that there is God who has fixed everything and so also the Man's purpose. Is there God, however? Of course, we cannot give any scientifically confirmed answer to that question.

There is a strong view that supports that there is not God. Socrates was one of the most known atheists in ancient Greece, while even Aristotle can be considered as an atheist. The same era, the idea of atheism appeared also in the East with the arise of Buddism and Induism in India and China. Later, atheism appeared also in Europe, around the 19th century. Most known atheists in Europe that era were Karl Marx, Arthur Schopenhauer, Friedrich Nietzsche. In the 20th century most known atheist was English philosopher Bertrand Russell.

The idea of atheism is also supported today by many educated scientists, like those who explore the Universe or send missiles to space. Those people say that all is random - there is not any Creator who has made things. The Universe, the stars, the Man, all have been made accidentally, they all are self-created. Most known is Stephen Hawking, one of the world's great theoretical physicists. He raised the prospect of a self-creating universe. Also, Nobel laureate physicist Steven Weinberg, one of the great scientists of our time, says: "Science's greatest cultural achievement is to eradicate religion."

But also the view of atheism cannot be absolutely correct, of course. If there is God, maybe some day the Man - with the unbelievable evolution he shows - will be able to see him and he will be convinced. If there is not God, however, the Man - even he continues his unbelievable evolution - will never see of course, the God, because God will not exist. The Man will continue so wondering forever: is there God or not?

The conclusion is therefore, that the religions cannot convince that there is in any case some purpose in our life. Also however, atheism cannot convince that there is not some such purpose. The final conclusion is therefore, that we cannot reject entirely the possibility of the existence of some purpose. Maybe there is a purpose.

If there is any purpose we have to wonder: which that purpose can be?

Thousands of answers have been given up to now to that question. Others are from naïve to very simplistic and others are from serious to deeply thoughtful. All however, have the same disadvantage - the purpose they say our life has does not seem to be the final purpose, but seems to be a means to another end (which?).

For example, Aristotle says that the Man's purpose in life is eudaimonia. The word can be translated as "happiness" but it really means "a process of living virtuously." Of course, however, eudaimonia as a goal of life cannot be considered an end in itself but rather a means to another end - which? The same happens with all other answers given. Spinoza, for example, holds the view of teleology closest to that of Aristotle. Kant on the other hand, argues that reason demands that we be moral - it is our duty to act according to morality rather than our self-interested inclinations and passions.

Also however, what the religions say for our purpose in life is not the final purpose. For example, Christian religion says that the Man has as his purpose, among other things, the duty to multiply himself, to grow in number - but for which final purpose? Also, other religions transfer the Man's purpose somewhere after death. But is there life after death? Is there soul? Is there immortality of soul? We do not know anything.

What therefore, religions say about our purpose in life cannot be considered as certain. But as we have seen, also what the teleology's followers say cannot be considered as certain, too.

How should we live?

The conclusion that derives, therefore, is that we cannot know today whether there is any purpose in our life and which that purpose is. Maybe there is a purpose, maybe there is not. But then a question appears: how should we live since we do not know whether is there any purpose in our life?

If there is not any purpose because all is random and self-created as many believe today, those people would say that we have to live with cynicism and apathy, or even with malice and hate, as many do today. But it is not so. The Man is an unimaginably admirable and complicated entity. His whole organism, his mind, his heart, all his body organs are unimaginably complicated, and all cooperate with each other with incredible accuracy and harmony.

The same is true for all beings on earth, animate and inanimate: animals, trees, and plants. All are admirable creatures with complicated organisms, and all work with incredible accuracy and harmony. Also the same is true for the whole universe, the planets, the stars, and the galaxies. All these are terribly complicated structures, which cooperate with each other with ultimate accuracy.

How should we live, therefore, in view of that reality? The answer is simple: Has not any meaning whether the Man and all other beings and the universe are self-created and random, as many people believe today, or they created by a Supreme Being (God). That which has meaning is that all are incredibly admirable creatures.

The conclusion is, therefore, that we have to live with great respect and awe toward that admirable being the Man - as well as toward all other beings, our earth, and the whole universe. We have to take care of the Man's welfare and of his continuation on our earth, so that the valuable creature the Man will not is destroyed but he will continue being miraculous and evolve even more.

Maybe for example, the Man will evolve so much so that he will conquer some day the whole universe and will govern it. We have, therefore, to help the Man to evolve - not only on his technological progress but also on his intellectual evolution. Wars, of course, crimes, and hostilities it is obvious, do not pair with such a position.

Whether we believe, therefore, that there is God who has given a certain purpose in our life (as each one of us thinks this purpose is), or we believe that there is not God but all are random and so there is not any purpose in our life, the answer to the question "how should we live" is in any case the same - the above.

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Cherishing the Fact, You're Alive

Preparing to present a devotion at a craft group following a presentation by a funeral director, I decided to run with the flow, and get people engaged in the imminence of their death.

'What do you want said at your funeral?' I asked.

Nothing elicits thought for the transient nature of life more, for me, then the panpipes instrumental, The Lonely Shepherd. Any time I hear this music I instantly think of my death. And such a thought is a blessing.

It is not a morbid thought. It is the thought grounded in the reality that God could remove my breath and stop my heart within a second. Or, cause me to be diagnosed with cancer tomorrow. These are such humbling realities. It puts all our stresses and complexities and conflicts into context.

The question that arises for me out of the thought of my death is, 'Am I cherishing the fact that I'm alive?' Am I holding life lightly? Am I too buried in my work? Am I making enough time for my relationships? - for my wife, my son, my daughters, my parents? What am I putting off that I shouldn't be? Who is it that will really miss me when I'm gone? And am I making time for these people now? Have these people seen the best of me yet? Have I made all efforts to reconcile with those I've aggrieved? Am I making God known? Am I aware of all should be? What should I do before I die?

Have I got any regrets about life? Can I do anything about them? Have I truly accepted the consequences of my actions? Is there joy in my life? What can I do to connect myself to peace, hope and joy?

What am I missing? As opposed to 'What am I missing out on?'

This is the most pulsating fact of life: you and I are alive, for such a time as this, and yet soon it will be over. As we all know, with grandparents and parents having passed away, or those getting ready for such an event, life seems long, but from some viewpoints of irony it is very short indeed.

It isn't a morbid thought to plan for one's funeral; such a thought reminds us how precious life is, and it causes us to cherish the fact that we are alive.

https://ezinearticles.com/?Cherishing-the-Fact,-Youre-Alive&id=9987463

Feeling Frustrated - God Has the Right Timing for Everything

Ever wondered why your dream goals are not manifesting? Be patient. God has all the answers. For more insights, read on.

You may have waited for too long with hope in your heart. But you didn't see your dreams materialize. You needn't change your dream goals. You can meet all of them but you need a shift in mind or attitude or you may think about a detour in the direction towards your goals.

Still feeling frustrated? Affirm all your dream goals and let go of them. In reality I have seen the dreams I let go of and forget, get manifested quickly. While the dreams I cling to and get attached hardly get manifested. So, after you have written down your goals and intention and addressed to the Universe, it is very vital that you let go off gracefully and do not think or worry about them at all. Because the longer you attach to them, the longer and harder it becomes for the dream(s) to materialize.

Another important tip I will pour over here is work on one important goal at a time. After it gets realized, take another goal and work on it. And the process goes on smoothly and effectively.

Still another tip I could dispense here is that even if you are detached from your dreams, you may realize, they are taking too long to manifest. This is because God has the right timing for each of your dreams to manifest and keep your faith. Do not let self-doubt creep in at all as it will hamper the manifestation process.

Your emotions also play an important role in the realization of your dreams. Happy and joyous as well as cheery mood always help to give you what you desire fast by the universe because you become the right vibration match for it and it is able to land on you your most desired goal.

On the other hand, bad energies such as anger, sorrow, worry and doubt will cripple the vibration around you and the Universe finds it difficult to reach you your goal. So remember to be happy and full of fun after you have affirmed your dream goals.

Summing up, yes those are all the reasons why your dreams haven't manifested yet. Abide by the tips in this article and you are sure to have all your burning desires land on your being. Gotcha?

https://ezinearticles.com/?Feeling-Frustrated---God-Has-the-Right-Timing-for-Everything&id=10138299

Making The Most of Your Life

Many people struggle with life. They wonder why they are here on this planet. They believe that there is a reason. There has to be a purpose. After all, they are here. Are they just here to exist? Are they here to take up space? Or is there a true, undeniable, unmistakable reason and purpose behind their existence?

From the beginning, before there was anything, the Creator of the Universe knew you were coming. You are not an accident, regardless of the circumstances of how you arrived on the earth. He knew - in His foreknowledge - that you were coming, and in His infinite wisdom created the perfect plan and purpose for your life.

You are an original masterpiece of the Creator. You are not a side thought, regardless of what anyone may have told you. God knew you were coming. His plan for your life is brilliant. It fits you. It suits you. In this divine purpose is all that you need and desire to satisfy and fulfill you. As a matter of fact, you will never feel whole within without it.

You can try all sorts of things trying to find some sense of destiny and fulfillment, but unless you tap into the mind of the Creator and ask Him to reveal His purpose for your life to you, you may just continue to wonder aimlessly through life, probably wishing you were never born. Because many people do not know their purpose they do all sorts of things. Some commit suicide. Others drug their senses hoping that the feelings of loneliness, hopelessness and shear boredom would disappear. However, after coming from a temporary high, the feelings remain. Without purpose life just seems wasted.

We do not have to live this way. We can discover our true purpose and reason for being simply be applying a few principles which are intended to make life better for us. These principles are as old as time itself, and all we have to do is apply ourselves consistently, with focus and determination. Here are five of them. There are more so there will be a part two of this article:

1. Realize and accept that you are not an accident. The world is not better off if you were to just end your life. That is a lie! You are special and important. You are in the Creator's Mind and Eye. He loves you and has a plan and purpose that will thrill you once you embrace it with all of your heart.

2. Seeing that the Creator has a plan and purpose for your life, ask Him to reveal it to you. The Creator, God, is a Person. You can communicate with Him. Be sincere when you speak with Him. Ask Him to show you in His own unique way how to tap into your purpose and His divine destiny for your life. He has promised to answer all who seek Him with their whole hearts.

3. Do not live in fear. Fear robs you of initiative and can steal your vision if you let it. Just because your purpose is not revealed immediately, rest confidently that if you asked the Creator to reveal it, He will do so and at the right time, This is a matter of trust. You will have to learn to trust that He knows what He is doing. You asked. He will respond and you will have a deep knowing on the inside that is unmistakable exactly what you were born to do.

4. You can take a hint concerning what it may involve by the gifting on the inside of you. Your gift (that inborn talent to do good) is from God. Learn to discern it, develop it and use it as best you can. The way will be made clearer over time. All of us have at least one gift. Discover yours!

5. Read a chapter from the book of Proverbs in the Bible every day! Listen, Proverbs is written to teach us how to make good, proper, right and wise choices in life everyday. So reading a chapter a day and applying what you learn will only improve your life. Read to understand. Apply yourself. Things will open up to you. Life will become better understood, and you will discover what it takes to win. Make it a permanent part of your day. Your best days, months and years are ahead of you. So don't quit on life. God is for you, not against you. You can make it. So keep on keeping on!

https://ezinearticles.com/?Making-The-Most-of-Your-Life&id=10030502

The Forces That Shape Us In Reality

Okay, we think that we are in control, we think that we are thinking our own thoughts and taking our own actions. Yet like a tree or plant, our seeds are planted deep in our early reality. Start by thinking about that fact for a moment. This is the key to the real Biblical code of reality or understanding the genuine book of life: Everything is initiated long before we even have any of "our own thoughts or actions" deep in the early realities of existence.

I remember this George Harrison song called "Within You, Without You" that basically said that the more individual you think you are, the less independence you really have. The crux of this reality, and this article is: Everything is preplanned and God planned it all before it all happened, that is why we "do not see or hear God anymore" in our daily reality. So, back to that George Harrison song "Within You, Without You" again and adding the saying "Seek first the Kingdom of Heaven, and all else will be added" with that from most Christian Bible New Testament copies in the world. In my reality, the door to God operates like a "reverse combination lock" where we close the open door when we think or act like we do it, and it opens when we know that God planned it all before it happened.

So, the forces that shape us in reality have already been put in place and act on us all very subtly and within the details of our lives, not in an overt way, but in that subtle way that genuinely directs us when we really think about these forces.

After all, the real hell is not having enough intuition to understand these facts in reality and understand them deeply. The real hell is believing that we are alone without cause and all effect without a cause. The only heaven there is really then is honest understanding in reality. Without that honesty and understanding, there is nothing that counts anyway. Without that honesty and understanding, reality is an empty, Earth bound trap full of pitfalls, frustrations and "what if" fantasies anyway. When the thought that "this is it" is there, realization, enlightenment and all the desired realities will not be there. When the thought that we know everything is there, that is The End, and nothing miraculous, new or better can happen. Genuine honesty and rational open mindedness is the best way to be, otherwise we really are done.

"One thing only I know, and that is that I know nothing." -Socrates of Alopece, Greece (born 470, B.C. - died 399, B.C.), the acknowledged Father of education in the Golden Age of Greece and the kind of spiritually oriented mind that I am writing about in this article!

https://ezinearticles.com/?The-Forces-That-Shape-Us-In-Reality&id=10237292

"Most People Won't Accept This Powerful Truth..." | Neville's Most Powerful Lecture???

3 Keys to Learning Positive Intrapersonal Communications (By Latonia Price)

I know the idea of 'talking to yourself' seems ridiculous. However, in today's time, it's absolutely necessary to have great intrapersonal communication skills. These skills aren't necessarily about being conceited or selfish. It's more about being able to face reality with a more calm and level mindset. Here are 3 keys that I believe helps to improve intrapersonal communication skills:

1. Don't be ashamed to talk to yourself. I am not ashamed to admit I talk to myself. I ask myself serious and/or simple questions every day that centers on my attitude, love for myself, love for God, love for my husband, love for other people, and so much more. Most times, I don't answer certain questions right away because I want to wait to see if the answer will come from God. But because I asked myself a question and God knows what I asked, He'll answer. That's why I have no shame because most answers come from God. I may give an answer to some of the simple questions but for more of those serious questions, it's a few days or weeks because I want to make sure God answers and not myself. If I answer, I may not end up with the best solution. If I give room for God to answer, I am more likely to follow the right solution.

2. Have daily, consistent reflection time. Since the start of 2018, I've been doing tons of self-reflection. I've been telling people how I spend so much time in the mirror nowadays. Not sounding conceited but being transparent and sharing the fact that I need help. I need God, I need my husband, I need my family, I need trustworthy friends, etc. I'm not perfect. I love to learn and I have a lot of knowledge. However, I still need God to supply all my needs according to His riches in glory. (Phil. 4:19) I still need protection, love, support, healthy food, decent clothes, etc. I can't survive without God and what He supplies.

3. Break limiting beliefs through thanksgiving. Each person has an idea of who they are. Most are quick to recognize their weaknesses but so many are slow to recognize their strengths. It's easy to recognize a strength with a well-known public figure because that's all the media will show. But nowadays, the truth is coming forth and recognizing that even the they have flaws. We have to break these limiting beliefs by being so thankful for what we do have! Don't take what you have for granted. Don't doubt yourself by comparing yourself to others. It's not worth comparing or competing. Be grateful for how God made you.

Love yourself enough to talk to yourself. Improve your intrapersonal communication skills. You may find it so easy to encourage others but take more time to encourage yourself. Believe me, you'll reap the benefits over and over again!

http://ezinearticles.com/?3-Keys-to-Learning-Positive-Intrapersonal-Communications&id=9987574

Hello Darkness, My Old Friend, I've Come to Talk With You Again. (By Steve Wickham)

Empathy in the individual is a massively important quality. Though it is a felt kind of trait, not strictly related with intelligence quotient, I think it is a cornerstone in the development of intelligence. Here's why. When we have the capacity of feeling for others, we truly connect with our world and the fiasco of self is ended.

At least that is the theory!

But empathy isn't the end of it. It's just the beginning. Once our empathy is acquired it doesn't stay with us statically; it can grow or rescind. We may develop it, but the tricky thing is we can also grow our skill for tapping artificially into it. In other words, we can learn to fake it.

Anyone can appear caring.

We need to be suspicious about those who appear as caring without actually feeling moved.

But the truth is that's me. There's a darkness in me to be able to continue as a pastor and counsellor and not be traumatised. Some would call it a thick skin. I know I'm capable of feeling enormous empathy, but it's moderated hugely now by my mind. Of a sense, I can control it. On one level such control is good. It helps me do my job. But at another level I feel cut off from what I could possibly be feeling. Or, I mourn the fact that I'm not as emotional as I once was or upset by things many other people are. In a weaker moment, I can truly wonder if there is darkness in me to the degree that my conscience is somewhat seared. But I know what I think, and that convinces me - my thinking conveys reprehensibility for the things that would otherwise gut me.

See how there is the entrance into the reality of my darkness. I'm not afraid of finding out how dark my soul could be. It would trouble me where I was to find darkness. And it has. But it only troubles me to the degree that I am impelled to do something about it. Yet this is just one example. I am still vulnerable in areas where I think I'm right, where I could be wrong, where pride can still be the predictable initial response. Pride is never too far away as an immediate response I must be awake to. Pride driven of fear that I'm not, in fact, all that I think I am. Still, there are hidden darknesses that I am yet to be made aware of that elicits the prayer, 'God, have mercy on me, a sinner.'

You may have heard the song The Boxer by Simon and Garfunkel, which says, 'A man hears what he wants to hear and disregards the rest.' This is so true to our human nature, that we cannot see what others see, and what others see we disregard, because we can only see our truth, and it forever polarises us in conflict with others who disagree. We are forlorn to war and battle and to decry justice and to fight for 'justice', and the biggest irony of all is the supposed social justice warrior insists they are right, and if only things were turned their way all would be right with the world. Sorry, I don't buy it. Yet, there are those on the Right who cannot bear that they also might be wrong. I see so much at the polarities that is untrustworthy. Both sides manipulate truth to satisfy their need and prop up their position.

Could it be possible that we are all wrong?

If all of us could be wrong, and if only God can truly be right, all the time, what might that convince us to do? The trouble is, especially in the Christian world, we tend to think that God is on our side, when there are other Christians who see the world differently and believe God is on their side. Could it be possible that we are both partially right? If that is true, we are both partially wrong, as well. Where does all this thinking lead us?

Hopefully it leads us to the place of bringing our sinful opinionatedness to the cross, to confess our need of Jesus, and to repent toward the possibility of those truths that we cannot yet see. All we need to do is acknowledge that we cannot see everything.

We can only fix 'us' in Jesus' name.

The 'other' is the Holy Spirit's project.

Imagine this scenario: standing before God's Judgment Seat on the day we finally meet Him.

We hear the record of our lives. Together with our record as it is read out, we hear others' records read out; those whose lives paralleled ours, and especially, as it pertains to this topic, we hear those records of those people we might praise and despise.

Gradually we are enlightened as we listen, and begin to comprehend the facts we never knew, which are the things we always did that we thought were right but that weren't wholly right, and those things that others did that we thought were wrong, that weren't wholly wrong.

We hear the record of this other person we could not forgive, and for the first time in our lives we see how truly lovable they are, because the perception of God is added to us.

We begin to see who they actually are from the experiences that had shaped their lives. And suddenly there is a sense of remorse, because we did not, or chose not to, see what we could have always seen if only we had been openhearted.

In the immediacy of this moment, suddenly God makes us angelic to the point that all our eyes can see is truth, and from that truth is the full portion of grace, because, for the first time in our lives, we understood that grace can only be understood and extended from the perspective of the fullness of truth.

Then, after seemingly a long silence and pause,

God speaks these words gently:

'You seem surprised, My son/daughter.

'Did you not assume that you too had blind spots? Did you not plan for this day? Did you assume all along that you had read me right, whilst thinking all along others who love me read me all wrong? Did you assume that the moment you pledged yourself to Jesus resolved your sin in its entirety? Were you not concerned at all that from the moment you pledged to follow My Son that you did not grow as much as you ought to have? Do you arrive here imagining you are at the top of the hierarchy of mortals in heaven? Did you live your life that way? Of course, you are thinking right now, "You know it all, God, so I really have no defence." Of course, the prosecution rests, for My questions of you are not judgment as you think they are Judgment. Until now you have been geared to think of everything against your view as judgment. I offer these rhetorical questions to you to bring you to the truth that causes repentance, which is an eternal commitment to and commission for the truth.

'My Grace has covered you; you are loved and you are mine, but I would not love you if I did not bring this truth to you. Now, enjoy my heavenly kingdom, knowing you can only now do good and be good to all.'

What if our world was suddenly full of people, every single one of us, who saw immediately where we were wrong, instead of being right all the time? Of course, this is not a picture of earth, it is a picture of heaven on earth, but not of the new heaven and earth where there will be no wrong.

Could it be our opportunity, here as we live our lives, to live with our wrongness at the forefront of our awareness, as the principal modus operandi for living at peace with everyone, so far as it depends on us?

I started this article talking about empathy. If we, ourselves, do not have empathy we have no hope of realising the potential that God stowed in us from the beginning.

Please do not think this is referring to anybody else but yourself. It is so common for each of us to think about how others lack empathy or exude it too much, without facing the question for ourselves.

This is your time. This is your question.

Before the Lord of all the Ages.

This could be your opportunity to truly ask how devoted you are to truly following Jesus. What a golden opportunity it is, before your time, and mine, is up.

It is up to us to tell on our darkness before the darkness tells on us.

It's time to be honest and to ascribe honesty as our covenant of allegiance to Christ.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Hello-Darkness,-My-Old-Friend,-Ive-Come-to-Talk-With-You-Again&id=10003148

Shift Into Divine Alignment

Being in divine alignment feels so good because it allows us to freely be who we were meant to be. We don't have to pretend or be inauthentic because of the expectations of others. And we can't worry about who accepts us and who doesn't. Do you want to know something? Not everyone will and that's more than okay! Their acceptance of us can't block our blessings or our path to success. Those things have already been established. But when you worry about the opinions of others, and scale back on your big dreams because of their small mindset, that can hinder you.

Focus on who you were created to be and the change you were born to bring into the world, and the gifts you are meant to share. When you focus on those things the opinions don't matter. Because you don't have the time or energy to invest in that negative nonsense.

So don't hide your gifts and don't be afraid, show up in the world in a big way. You never know what God has on the other side of your leap of faith. Believe in yourself even if nobody else believes in you. You can't control how others feel about you but you can control how you feel about yourself.

Life is too short to live it in the box that others try to put us in. We were made for more and we deserve more. We deserve the amazing and phenomenal life that have been divinely designed for us. So go for it!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Shift-Into-Divine-Alignment&id=10011581

You Are Blessed for Success

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Would you like to inspire others to live their best life possible? If you are an amazing, authentic, and ambitious individual then why not help others to succeed in life? And you can also make a great living in the process, while feeling great because you are making a difference. Coaching is a wonderful profession and it has room for you and your divine gifts.

If you have been feeling like you have no idea what you are supposed to be doing in life or if you want to switch your career, enhance your career, or start a coaching ministry then you are at the right place at the right time. Sometimes we don't quite feel like our life is as happy as it could be, or we feel like we could be making a bigger difference, or we wake up every morning desiring a sense of greater fulfillment. And those are all signs that God still has more in store for us.

I am a firm believer that in this life we go from level to level, meaning that we are always growing and evolving. But growing and evolving is challenging when we allow things to stand in the way. Things like fear, procrastination, self-limiting beliefs, and all of the other success blockers. I have been there. You don't have to let any of those things stop you from pursuing your personal and professional goals.

Imagine all of the wonderful things that can happen for you if you commit to connecting to your next level of purpose. You must realize that God has work for you to do and He has uniquely gifted you to do it, and He has already programmed you for success, regardless of anything that you have been through. I have been through so much in my life and I can assure you that God is amazing when it comes to empowering us to transform our tests to testimonies. Testimonies that help others to live their best life possible. There is a greater version of who we are within all of us and that person deserves to emerge. Every single day you deserve to live a life that makes you smile and feel wonderful. And it is possible for you!

http://ezinearticles.com/?You-Are-Blessed-for-Success&id=10025765

When Tempted to Retreat, Prepare to Advance (by Steve Wickham)

I received two things recently: a frontal assault of the enemy, and the full support of the Lord.

The enemy attacked my mind, making me overwhelmed in busyness. I was stricken of heart, discouraged by a burden too heavy to carry. I seriously said the words of retreat; I fully intended to act. I even began to act.

And then something happened. God's Presence within me made me aware of something. I recognised the attack. I had not picked it up until then.

God said words to the effect, 'Do not shrink back - I will give you what you need. Don't retreat; advance.' And God did give me what I needed.

Suddenly I was impelled forward in my thinking. I called my wife and withdrew my control. I had previously told her, we must slow down; the pace is killing me (words to the effect). That had diminished the flame within her. I didn't see it at the time. But God gave me the vision. I called my wife, and said it was an attack, and that it would be wrong to slow down and stop. She simply agreed. She knew. And such is her wisdom, she waited.

What I learned again, in a fresh way, is the enemy of God is compelled to discourage us. He loves nothing more than for us to retreat, even quit. One thing the enemy doesn't count on, however, is the inimitable strength we get from God when we advance.

***

After we have been assailed by attack, and we have advanced in honour and obedience for our Lord, then, when things have steadied, it is time to gather ourselves. We are soldiers and the mire is heavy underfoot.

What do soldiers do when they are not being attacked? They prepare for the next attack - yes, they get ready and then they rest up.

Be battle ready.

http://ezinearticles.com/?When-Tempted-to-Retreat,-Prepare-to-Advance&id=9891547

Understand This Mindset: Spiritual Retreat

Life to a spiritual retreat, various people went to a holy place to fulfill the spiritual retreat. In the city of Cotabato in the Philippines, every year two radio stations do not broadcast their regular programs from Thursday to Saturday because staff members make a spiritual retreat. Many people who go to a spiritual retreat during the Week of Semana Santa. But judging the effects of these retreats in their lives, they show to be unaware of spiritual awakening during these retreats. They bring in the same way of living before and after their spiritual retreats. You can experience a range of spiritual or religious highs. But nothing has happened in their depths. This article narrates how to use the spiritual retreat to experience the spiritual awakening.

Do you own a specific goal for your spiritual retreat?

The first thing you need to do to experience spiritual excitement during a retreat is to own a specific goal if you enter this work. It does not matter if your supervisor or a Human Resources employee will lead you to a spiritual retreat. If you do it yourself, ready a specific goal to plan your spiritual retreat.

Their goal, how to change your life for the better. This is the overall aim. Have a better spiritual retreat experience, come in a specific goal. For example, you may want to set a goal to prepared to stop smoking. Or his goal is to read one gospel effective in the retirement age. Or this may be the case for personality improvement. Whatever in mind, make it specific.

Get the fraction for a moment to talk to your god. Second, it's time to talk to your God, whether he or whatever you think of it.

Overall, a retreat has a series of teacher lectures or movable movers and meditations for participants. Again, consider it during the lecture period of your retired professor of god. For example, if you are listening to conversations, you can say to your God, I will make this talk in action very much.

I said "your God," because each of us has a different theory of God, whether we are complete Christians or Muslims. Buddhists do likely God similar Christians and Muslims. Atheists or unbelievers own the true notion of God they denied. Deny nothing. There is a theory of God that you have denied. Talk to this god during the retreat.

Then, in contemplation, tell your God of everything that reaches into your spirit. In this way, you associate with the rules beyond yourself, if you are not yet, and the growth becomes an opportunity for spiritual awakening for you.

Write a record of your thoughts

Third, write a report on your reflections on a good notebook. I realize that many during the retreat, people do not write. They listen to the speaker and do the exercises they make, such as singing and posture exercises, but they do not write.

If you do not write in your mind, it means you have no record of it, and there is no easy way to remember the thoughts later. Meanwhile, if you write it down, you can read it later and see how your life has improved since the retreat. In that way, you will see how your life has grown since then. And if you do not see the improvement, you can make the necessary changes to continue the journey to eternity. In this way, you will know whether you are awake spiritually or not, or if your spiritual thoughts progress if you have experienced a spiritual awakening.

These are the means to effectively use retreats to inspire you spiritually: there is a purpose, talking with your god of retreat, write your thoughts. Best of luck in your spiritual retreat!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Understand-This-Mindset:-Spiritual-Retreat&id=9887452

Life Is Too Short Not To Live Out Your Purpose

Do you dream of becoming a life coach and helping others to live a happier and more abundant life? Do you have a calling to help others live the life that God has designed for them to live? And are you ready to finally get moving in the direction of your purpose?

You only have one chance to live life to the fullest, so you have to get it right. That means you are not sitting on your dreams, that means you are not letting what other people say about you stop you or block you, and that you are not letting fear keep you from moving forward. Your life was given to you so that you can LIVE IT! And that doesn't mean that you just go to work, work 8 hours a day, get off, go home, eat, shower, go to sleep, wake up the next morning and do it all over again! You deserve to do something that makes you feel amazing, something that lights your fire, and something that makes you excited to wake up every morning. And if you have a desire to become a life coach you could live the life that you dream of living, and a life that is not only rewarding for you but a life that is also rewarding for others.

I began to realize years ago that life was passing me by pretty fast, and I had not began to even accomplish the things that I knew God had put in my heart to accomplish. Things were going okay for me, but I wasn't living my best life possible. I was living my life according to the box that I had allowed others to put me in, and that wasn't acceptable. Why do we even live our life according to the rules of others, when nobody has to live with the regret but us? That is so unfair to us. And we truly deserve more.

It is your time to fully step into your greatness. You don't have to settle for anything less than God's best for your life. And I believe that includes you living out your true purpose and destiny. You have so much inside of you that someone else needs. Never underestimate the power of your gifts, pain, struggle, successes, or story. My late mother used to say "Our words will out-live us." And that is so true. Because even after we are gone we can leave a legacy that continues to live way after we do. And some of the most powerful things we can leave behind are love, encouragement, and inspiration.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Life-Is-Too-Short-Not-To-Live-Out-Your-Purpose&id=9954199

It's YOUR Time! So Get Ready to Soar

If you are like most people then you are probably always giving and giving without really taking time out for your self. It is wonderful that you have a heart to help others but don't forget about your own dreams and goals. Don't neglect the things that God has put on your heart to do. We were not born to just live life we were born to live a fulfilled life, to live an abundant life, and to thrive. And those are all of the things we should be experiencing, and if we are not then our life is of balance.

It is your time right now, not tomorrow, not next week, and not next year, but right now! Life is just too short for you to keep putting off until tomorrow what you deserve today! You have allowed fear, naysayers, pain, and your past to hold your dreams hostage for way too long. Your dreams need to be released.

Think about this, when we were younger we dreamed and we dreamed big. We didn't care how crazy our dreams sounded to others, we didn't allow fear to make us stay stagnant, and we didn't care about what happened in the past, we just believed that it could be done. We need to go back to that "childlike faith." Having "childlike faith" doesn't mean that you are being unrealistic, it means that you are allowing your faith to inspire you forward.

When you know "beyond a shadow of a doubt" that it is your time you are willing to up-level your mindset and your movement. In other words you are thinking differently and taking action differently. And it also means that you are refusing to let anything stop you. When it's your time then it's YOUR time! Now that doesn't mean that obstacles won't arise, what it does mean is that they can't stop you. The only way they can stop you is if you allow them to.

Where would you like to be in 3 months, 6 months or 12 months? Surely not in the same place you are at today. And that doesn't mean you are not satisfied with your life, it means that you are ready for growth. And it means that you are aware that there is more that you can do, be, and have. So now that you know it is your time, what steps are you going to take to manifest the amazing life that you dream about and deserve? You CAN do it!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Its-YOUR-Time!-So-Get-Ready-to-Soar&id=9863101

Five Ways to Be Ahead of Time

One of the greatest assets in life is time, one of the greatest delusions in life is still time and one of the greatest illusions in life is time.

The world is regulated by time, as far as life on Earth is concerned, it is timed, and every aspect of living is timed. The different categories of timing represent the diverse stages of life. In reality, time regulates seasons, seasons influence trends and trends regulate people. Thus everyone in life is either a time setter or a time checker.

Time setters are able to position themselves ahead of the time by following principles that propel them beyond the present time while time checkers follow time and are bound by the shackles of trends.

However, there are principles to follow if you desire to be ahead of time, below are five vital ones:

1) BE VISIONARY: 

What do you see? Vision is not the presence of sight, but the presence of inner sight or what you call INSIGHT. What you see for your life affects what you expect from your life and how you move in your life. Seeing beyond the present moment, gives you a glimpse of what the future can be and ultimately gives you the advantage to prepare for it. Vision propels you to move ahead of the present season and positions you ahead of the crowd.

2) PLAN. 

In advancing in life, the place of planning can never be overemphasized. You have envisioned the times ahead, then take one more step to plan your way to it. Ask crucial questions, meet strategic people, obtain the required skills and synchronize your life around your plan of the vision. Ask yourself, what does it take to get to my vision, how can I get there, where should I start, who do I need, how long will it take me to get to my vision. Be deliberate to get the right answers because they unfold your plan for the vision.

3) BE PASSIONATE. 

Passion is a fuel to purposeful living. One distinguishing factor in life is the passion we live it with. Passion keeps you moving even in the most harsh conditions. When you lose passion for living, you have lost life itself. Develop passion For the plan of your vision, and see the self limiting obstacles crumble in your face.

All through history, you will discover that the most outstanding people are the most passionate ones. These are men and women who are zealous of what they are doing, and they are not apologetic about their obsessions.

4) FORM A HABIT. 

To be ahead of the crowd, form vision sustaining habits. Be deliberate in cultivating habits that will naturally bring you closer to your vision. When you absorb great habits into your lifestyle, you automatically program your mind on what is important to you. One thing about habits are that they are hard to cultivate, and even harder to break. Consistency with these vision oriented habits gives you an edge over those that do not have them and places you on the right track for vision actualization.

5) PRAY 

Vision, plan,passion and habit are nothing without the hand of God. Prayer still remains the master key to unlocking the future. When you pray and Access God, your vision crystallizes in your spirit and you start living it out in the now. Hearing from God is an acid test to the success of every vision. Moreover, visions are birthed in the place of prayer, and prayer, brings God into every vision, plan, passion and habit. Don't make praying your last option, rather the first. Prayer simplifies complicated matters and builds your faith, which is crucial in vision actualization, especially the big ones. Therefore, the bigger the vision, the more praying is involved.

Finally, understand that life is in seasons, but you can change the season by influencing the time through these principles.

DON'T JUST WATCH TIME... 

SET YOUR DESTINY TIME...

http://ezinearticles.com/?Five-Ways-to-Be-Ahead-of-Time&id=9646800

Living in the Heart of Love Equals Living in Abundance and Enjoying the Fruits of Life

Each day God's richest blessings are pouring over you but you will not realize this, or feel these blessings unless you are living in your Heart.

The Heart is where you will feel God's Love and where you will hear the still voice of the Divine Presence that lives within you.

It is in the Heart that you will be intuitively led to opportunities that will bring abundance into your life.

When you live in your Heart, God's spirit moves within you freely, uninhibited by the ego and the limited concepts of the human mind, and it is at this time when God is able to create great change within your life, such as healing your physical body, your relationships, your finances, difficult situations you may be experiencing etc. There is no limit to the Power of God's Love. Once you have experienced it in action in your life, and felt it move within your heart, you will feel utterly deprived without it.

The Spirit of God's Love brings peace and harmony within your life which flows out touching the lives of those with whom you come into contact on a daily basis.

The good news is that God's Love is free! It doesn't cost anything, and it doesn't require you to be anyone special before you can receive it. The only action on your part is moving out of your limited human ego, into a heart-based living experience.

Moving out of ego means moving out of the thought stream of useless ideas, and habitual patterns of behavior that produce nothing except further pain and suffering.

The ego knows only conditional love. It is only through God's impeccable and perfect unconditional love that people will learn to love and accept themselves and others unconditionally.

Other people do not have to be perfect in order for you to love them, and the same can be said of yourself. Love yourself anyway. Accept and love yourself as you are. If God can do it, so can you. In fact, you deserve it!

It is the ego that finds fault. It is the ego that is never satisfied. It is the ego that is always looking for more, and not understanding nor perceiving what it already abundantly has. The ego will provide you with a temporary solution, sometimes bringing you money, but never will it provide you with lasting happiness and fulfilment of purpose. These are the gifts of God that are freely available to those who live within a heart-based reality,

Moving out of the egoic mind and into the Heart-based way of living, is the only way to reaching states of complete fulfilment, lasting love and happiness.

The Heart/Love-based way of life places you in a higher frequency which equates to a field of infinite abundance, infinite opportunity, freedom and love. The more you tap into this field, the more you will enjoy the gifts of God that are just waiting there for you to enjoy.

It is not that God is withholding these gifts from you until you tow-the-line, so to speak. God wants everyone to enjoy a life of prosperity and abundance, but if you're living in your head all the time, listening to the negative ideas, thought-processes and mind chatter of the human ego, then you miss out on experiencing these gifts.

All thoughts of not being good enough, not worthy enough, not deserving enough, all thoughts of lack and limitation, of self-blame, doubt and guilt, and judgment of any kind etc., all stem from ego. The ego restricts and conflicts, the Heart of Love frees. It is as simple as that.

The only effort on your part is to stay in the higher frequencies of love and gratitude, and allow all of God's blessings to unfold in your life. You can use affirmations to achieve this, and prayer, also meditation helps to maintain a positive outlook and relieve stress.

It is said that gratitude unlocks the fullness of life, and this is true. Gratitude is a very powerful emotion, and coupled together with the power of Love, are invincible. These two powerful emotions will create changes and miracles within your life that will astound you. Realize that it is unconditional love that I am referring to, not the conditional human kind of love.

Put it to the test and try it today. Move into your Heart and allow the love of your Creator to flow within you. I promise you, life will never be the same for you ever again.

If you need some help changing your life and achieving an abundant way of living, please allow me to introduce you to one of God's most powerful angels, Archangel Michael, whose name means, "He who is like God".

Archangel Michael personally works with and guides many people on the Earth. He is well known for his protection, faith and strength and he carries a blue flamed sword which he uses to cut people free from fear.

Archangel Michael has been working with me for the past 6 years and he has very kindly given me his blessing to pass onto others the 'Trinity of Blessings' attunement which will bring you into alignment with the powerful energies of Love, Peace and Joy.

The Trinity of Blessings also offers a daily meditation practice and visualization technique that will help you make changes in your life and open your heart to receiving the abundance that God wishes for you to enjoy in your life.

http://ezinearticles.com/?Living-in-the-Heart-of-Love-Equals-Living-in-Abundance-and-Enjoying-the-Fruits-of-Life&id=9831246

Remember The Miracle Is In Your Power When Seeking Ways To Change Your Life (By James Nussbaumer)

It surely was emotionally mind boggling during those 8 long years I 'd spent in prison, often thinking that, I need a miracle from God right now. It was a tough, horrendous ordeal in all sense of the statement.

I 'd really set forth on my writing from that very first day when the prison doors slammed shut and locked behind me, which is why you are reading this right now.

I still see that my contracting with a mainstream publisher for my book series while in my eighth year, of imprisonment, is what convinced a higher court to look deeper into at my case.

Yes, that accomplishment convinced a Judge to grant me release 2 years early from my 10 year sentence over a foolish securities violation.

I have learned I can always go deep within myself and chart and create out objectives and goals for whatever the journey might be when there's nowhere else to turn.

I'll be honest, it seems all my life since childhood when faced with life challenges, I've mumbled under my breath that, I need a miracle from god right now.

You are a human being?

You likewise believe you are either male or woman?

You also have other roles you play in your life, like mom, daddy, brother, sister, staff member, company, manager, manager, in-law-- and the list,

Have you ever thought of yourself as a miracle, even when you're thinking, I need a miracle from god right now?

Of course, that is the miracle. Do you walk around all day and see yourself as a miracle worker?

You are a miracle. You are a miracle worker, if you choose to be, and you don't have to ask or state, I need a miracle from God right now.

A few years back prior to his passing, I had the satisfaction of visiting Wayne W. Dyer live at a conference in Miami.

He tossed back and forth the attributes of a miracle and all the other angles.

It was just one of many interesting discussions I've heard him speak on in the past, but this one instantly changed my life.

The words just appeared on my notepad I always carry with me and have handy in my hip pocket. I had a warm secure feeling while sitting there, alone, with no one I knew there to witness what I was feeling.

The conference ended and my inner Self was satisfied.

Back at the hotel I immediately picked up my copy of A Course in Miracles, opened it and landed on page 222, Lesson 124 of the ACIM workbook.

My eyes looked down at the title of the lesson that said, "Let me remember I am one with God."

The power of joined right-minded thoughts is the miracle.

The power of our thoughts is a wonder waiting on a decision to take place. The power is within you and you never need to state, I need a miracle from God right now.

The Course in Miracles teaches us that, "The miracle, and not magic, is always at your disposal."

It starts with our decision.

We have the power of wonders.

Wonders of the world and for a better life, means taking action.

It takes only an instant, perhaps a short minute, or a few more, to begin creating what you want, and then reflecting it into your external world.

It's how you may easily live your life.

That's all it takes to use the power of choice ways to change your life or to turn your life around.

The bottom line is:

Be that better world if you want to have a better life in a better world.

To the miracle in your daily life!

http://ezinearticles.com/?Remember-The-Miracle-Is-In-Your-Power-When-Seeking-Ways-To-Change-Your-Life&id=9824070

It Will Always Be About Me

The title of the article suggests conceit greed and selfishness. The title though true, has unseen substance that substantiates that it is about your self. There is a deeper meaning to the statement. You are what you are made of. You are nothing less and potentially much more. In order to accomplish something you never thought was possible you have to do things you never thought were possible. Effort will always equal results. The more effort the better the results. You are who you become. God has always wanted the best for us but we were given freewill to choose as we wish. There will always be obstacles to impede your progress. They are only obstacles because we allow them to be. If you allow obstacles to reign over you they will. When we become selfish enough to care for ourselves and love ourselves we decimate the obstacles. God has always loved us so we should do the same. Without care and concern for self the idea of caring for others can be compromised. To be made in the image of God denotes the beginning of caring for self. No other creature was considered. The creator of life itself chose to create mankind in his image.

Genesis 1:27 "So God created mankind in his own image, in the image of God he created them. Male and female he created them. The entire human race is based on being made in his image. We were designed to succeed. We are designed to magnify the glory of being made in his image. Because of freewill the choices we make are not always to our best advantage. If we became more selfish with our thoughts and perspectives as to what our future holds, we will make better choices. With consistent and better choices comes more success. Success will bring about a thirst for more of the same. It can become contagious. It can only start when you develop a love for self. A diamond is formed from tons of mud. That mud is deep within the earth and is of no value. It does not grow grass and will never be walked upon. With immense pressure and the right conditions it develops into a stone that is indestructible. The value of that mud is measured by the character it developed into. It develops into a true and rare stone a diamond. Each diamond is unique and no two will ever be the same.

Just like a diamond immense pressures and the right conditions develop the rarest individuals and no two will ever be the same. Steel will always sharpen steel. You will always be measured by yourself and others by the effort you apply. When the accumulation of wealth is a byproduct of your efforts you gain conviction. Self worth will always topple any other measurement of success. 

Believe who you are, perceive who you are, be who you are and then you will be what you were meant to be. It is a line of direction that offers fail proof alternatives. Remember it will always be about you.

http://ezinearticles.com/?It-Will-Always-Be-About-Me&id=8999360

You Are Needed More Than You Know

Do you know that you have something inside of you that can make a huge difference in the lives of others? Sometimes we don't realize that there are people who desperately need what we have to offer. We often underestimate our gifting and purpose, not truly being aware that God has uniquely made us to be a blessing in a powerful way to the life of someone else.

One of the best things you may do for yourself and for others is pursue your purpose as a life coach. As a life coach you can have many opportunities to share your gifts and talents with others and with the world. You can do private coaching sessions, group coaching sessions, lead seminars and workshops, and even write articles or e-books. Coaching is a broad profession with broad opportunities. But you will never have a chance to experience those opportunities if you never pursue your purpose as a coach.

If you feel like coaching is the next best move for you, then what needs to happen for you to move forward? What is stopping you from taking the next step to become a coach? Regardless of what obstacles you feel like you are facing, you can't allow anything to stop you from being all that you were born to be. You must be unstoppable in your quest for success. That is truly something that you deserve.

Just one decision to move forward can shift your life in a more positive and financially rewarding direction. Sometimes our blessings are hidden in unique opportunities, and that can be the case as it relates to you becoming a Certified Life Coach.

http://ezinearticles.com/?You-Are-Needed-More-Than-You-Know&id=9359886

I Have 10 Life Secrets: Let Me Share 1

Most people don't get what they want or deserve because of silly mistakes. I have met a number of talented college graduates who struggle economically because of the bridges they've burned along the way, experienced professionals who get stuck mid-career because of pride, and near retirement employees who are anxious to retire so that their fear of unemployment stops consuming them. Clearly, nobody told these folks that jobs are now partnerships and that burning bridges, pride and fear are only going to slowly transform their true talent into perishable mediocrity. You don't want to fall under these categories. What you do need is to control your life by maneuvering the game of life in ways that makes you totally unpredictable. By the way, how are you positioning yourself these days? Are you engaging in careful planning?

Undeniably, everybody loves doing the kind of work that they have a talent for. Based on this logic, the million dollar question then becomes, "What do I need to do in order to work on my talent?" Ladies and gentleman, I am going to reveal to you one of the ten life secrets I've learned right now. The secret actually comes from Napoleon Hill, one of my "deceased mentors" and author of the book "Think and Grow Rich." Just realize that his secret has seven steps. Are you ready for this?

First: Decide exactly what kind of job you want. If this job doesn't already exist, perhaps you can create it.

Second: Choose the company or individual from whom you wish to work for.

Third: Study your prospective employer, as to policies, personnel, and chances for advancement.

Fourth: By analysis of yourself, your talents and capabilities, figure what you can offer, and plan ways and means of giving advantages, services, developments, and ideas that you believe you can successfully deliver.

Fifth: Forget about a "job." Forget whether or not there is an opening. Forget the usual routine of "have you got a job for me?" Concentrate on what you can give.

Sixth: Once you have your plan in mind, arrange with an experienced writer to put it on paper in neat form and in full detail.

Seventh: Present it to the proper person with authority and he will do the rest. Every company is looking for men who can give something of value, whether it be ideas, services, or "connections." Every company has room for the man who has a definite plan of action which is to the advantage of that company.

Careful planning is at the core of this secret. Failing to influence others is a capital mistake. Never, under any circumstances, criticize others because the moment you do you lose them. Who knows if you are going to need them in the future or not? Don't burn bridges! Control your pride. Life is about God, not you or me. Why are you so afraid? Life is full of surprises. You might as well join the team and make yourself indispensable to whoever you work for. Your anxieties will decrease... trust me.

It is all about careful planning, dude. By the way, what are you doing about that? Don't let others choose what you should do. You should take ownership of your destiny perhaps with the consultation of a close ally. The former can help you tremendously, that is for sure.

http://ezinearticles.com/?I-Have-10-Life-Secrets:-Let-Me-Share-1&id=9854611