White Sun - The Silence of the Wise

By Teow Aun Chew

Although the truth cannot be seen, heard or touched, yet it is the origin of all things and it is beyond time, space and religion. The great ancients who lived in accordance to the truth were men of subtle wisdom and penetrating intelligence. They were so profound that others did not understand them and such people are the founders of the Five Great Religions like Lao Tze, Confucius, Sakyamuni Buddha, Jesus Christ and Prophet Mohammad.

Everything under Heaven has a beginning which can be said as the origin of things. If we know the origin, we can then say there is a mother of all under Heaven and everything is its offspring. By observing with a quiet and still mind, one can perceive the origin of things and in Tao, we say, "Tao is great, Heaven is great, Earth is great, Humanity is great and within the universe are all things and humans are one with the universe and God. There is going and there is coming. Everything returns to nothingness. Man is in harmony with Earth, Earth harmonises with Heaven, Heaven harmonises with Tao and Tao harmonises with what is natural."

The truth is not something rare and strange. It is not like he can turn into a beauty today and turn into a devil-like creature tomorrow. Then all of a sudden he turns into a ninety-nine year old man. All these are not the truth because the truth is we grow and mature naturally through learning and studying. Don't expect to become a great person overnight because we need wisdom and it takes time to absorb and get experience through learning. Collect our wisdom slowly then our virtuous nature will be the same as the Light Beings.

How can we save this despairing world? asked my Heavenly Master JiGong. Start with oneself. Then change the most beloved people, our own family members. Correct oneself well; enlighten and transform others. The statement said, "In order to govern the state well, it is necessary to regulate the family first. It is not possible for a man to discipline others when he is not able to discipline himself and his own family."

It is advised, "As a member of the family, we must treat the other family members with a sincere heart. Sincerity is Tao. We must treat everybody this way. Sincerity between husband and wife; there must be mutual understanding for each other. Between father and son (parents and children), when it calls for strictness, the father should be strict. When it calls for loving-kindness, the father must advise the son with kindly words. Then only, people would not find themselves living in a battlefield and dwelling in hell. Hence, when it's time to be strict, the father must guide the son with truth. He should give the son a true, correct and sensible way to follow. And in showing his loving-kindness, he must use the Principle of Oneness to untie the knot in the son's heart, so that both hearts can link together."

Live a peaceful life. When there is friction at home, it depends on what type of heart you would use to transform the friction into peace. Likewise if there is friction outside the home, the same applies. Everyone wants to live in peace and when everyone gathers in harmony, wisdom will be generated and the world will be at peace.

Author: T.A Chew

T.A Chew, prays leaders of the world will follow the teachings of the ancient Saints and Sages. The Silence of the Wise told us the Way and the Principle of Heaven and Earth. To save this despairing world, start with oneself. Do not do unto others what you do not want others to do unto you. Website: http://www.white-sun.com

Postmodern Self-assessment: Pretending Doesn't Make It So

By Steve Singleton

It was the fourth quarter in last Friday night's football game between rival Texas high schools Keller and Richland, with Keller in possession on its own one-yard line. The Keller quarterback handed off to running back Lyndon LaPlante. LaPlante took off toward the goal line, slipping through a hole and avoiding tackles all along his 99-yard run to the goal line.

But LaPlante's run didn't count. Was there a penalty on the play? Had he stepped out of bounds? No. The whole thing was a set-up, probably inspired by "Radio," the 2003 film starring Cuba Gooding Jr., Ed Harris, and Debra Winger. Kevin Atkinson, the Keller coach, had long been planning to give Lyndon, who has Down Syndrome, this moment of glory. He cleared it with Richland coach Gene Wier and with the game's officials prior to the opening kickoff that it would happen on Keller's first offensive play of the fourth quarter. Even the fans were in on the gesture, as they rose to their feet and cheered.

"Man, it was awesome," LaPlante said. He was still holding the game ball when his mother woke him up on Saturday morning. "Everybody said, 'Lyndon! Lyndon! Lyndon!' I was crying with chills."

We applaud this act of kindness; it was a wonderful expression of love and appreciation that Lyndon and his family will always remember fondly. Nevertheless, Lyndon's touchdown didn't change the score; on the next play, Keller was right back at its own one-yard line.

My postmodern friends tell me, "Perception forms reality." But is it really true? Is reality totally subjective, or does reality exist objectively, whether or not we perceive it correctly? Teams, coaches, officials, and fans all agreed that despite Lyndon's perception, an objective reality existed that said: "No score."

We can apply this same principle again and again in our world. Children's test scores should be meaningful measures of their knowledge and skills. They shouldn't move on to the next grade unless they pass. Adults who are incompetent should not stay in jobs to fill a racial, ethnic, or disability quota. We should measure governmental programs or policies with objective standards. Those that aren't working we should fix or end. Why? Because if we ignore objective reality, it will come back to bite us in painfully objective ways, like collapsing bridges or incompetent bureaucrats.

The same principle holds true in the moral universe. Someone argues, "A universal moral code doesn't exist--everyone knows that. We can all agree that anyone who claims it does exist is a big liar." Do you perceive the contradiction? Making such a claim doesn't make it so.

Likewise you can look at your own life and say, "I am perfect in every way." But even if you convince yourself, that doesn't make you flawless. According to the Apostle John, if we should make such a claim, "We deceive ourselves and the truth is not in us" (1 John 1:8). What could be worse? Only someone who claims not only to be perfect now, but also blameless in the past. John says "If we claim we have not sinned, we make Him out to be a liar, and His word has no place in our lives" (verse 10). That is one function the Bible fulfills for us: it calls us back to objective reality. We are sinners in need of a Savior--and not just One Who can make us feel saved, but One who saves us in reality.

Abraham Lincoln once asked a stubborn disputant, "How many legs does a cow have?" "Why, four, of course!" was the reply. Lincoln leaned forward and looked the man in the eye, "Well then, how many would it have if we called its tail a leg?" With a sneer, the man answered, "Five!" "Nope!" said Lincoln. "It would still have four, because calling a tail a leg doesn't make it so."

* * *

Copyright ©2005 Steve Singleton

Steve Singleton has written and edited several books and numerous articles on subjects of interest to Bible students. He has been a book editor, newspaper reporter, news editor, and public relations consultant. He has taught Greek, Bible, and religious studies courses Bible college, university, and adult education programs. He has taught seminars and workshops in 11 states and the Caribbean.

Go to his DeeperStudy.com for Bible study resources, no matter what your level of expertise. Explore "The Shallows," plumb "The Depths," or use the well-organized "Study Links" for original sources in English translation. Sign up for Steve's free "DeeperStudy Newsletter."

Copyright information: This article is free for reproduction but must be reproduced in its entirety, including live links & this copyright statement.

Give Thanks

By Vivian Gordon

"It is a commandment that you praise God. If you don't hear
and lay it to heart to give glory to My Name, I will curse you."

Malachi 2:1-2 (Amplified)

God commands that we give Him thanks and praise
everyday of the year, not just one day a year as we celebrate Thanksgiving. God is a jealous God who demands that we follow His commandments but it's not because He's vain, He means them for our own good, He wants what is best for us, His children. He loves to bestow His gifts upon us when we are obedient to Him in return. We can never out give God but He sure can make our blessing flow. Sometimes we feel that God isn't hearing us and so we lack our daily devotions to Him and we think we are punishing Him by doing that. But frankly, God isn't to be mocked and He isn't here for our pleasure, we are here to please Him!

It's natural for us to have this all mixed up when we are living in the world of selfishness, greed, and vanity. We like to
complain about the things we don't have when in reality, we should be grateful that God doesn't give us what we deserve! He is patient with us and willing to give us time in order to get this right. He wishes that no man will ever perish. In exchange for our praises and thanksgiving, He wants to give us eternal life!

There are many references in the Bible to thanksgiving and praise and if you're not familiar with them, you should get acquainted with some of them.

One such verse is this: "Enter into His gates with thanksgiving and a thank offering and into His courts with
praise! Be thankful and say to Him, bless and affectionately praise His name." Psalm 100:4 (Amplified)

This psalm is just one example that indicates how we are to
approach our Almight Father. He wants us to come to Him affectionately, compassionately, whole heartedly, and reverently.

"Why?" you may ask. As I mentioned already, it's our duty to give God ALL the glory and know that Him and only Him is responsible for all the blessings that we have been given. He knows our hearts, and therefore we can't fool Him with outward appearances. We can fool others with our phoney actions of thankfulness, but we will never put one over on God. The reason we give Him all our thanks and praise is so that He can prosper us. Yes, God will prosper His children when He knows their hearts are truly thankful for all
that He's done. He tells us through His Son Jesus that He came to give us life and life abundantly. He wants the best for those who are truly thankful and praise His name.

"Because you don't serve God with joyfulness in heart and gratitude, He will send enemies for you to serve." Deu. 28:47 (Amplified)

Maybe this sounds a bit harsh, but God has to judge us for our sinful nature. If we refuse to obey and honor Him, He will make our lives less than meaningful in order to get our attention so that we will realize that He is the only way.

It's in these valley times when we recognize His omnipotance and relinquish all our worldy ways to come to
Him. In coming to Christ as our Lord and Savior, we are given His free gift of grace that allows us to become more like Christ. This outward life changing experience takes a life time to achieve, but one that is well worth it. To thank and
praise God for all that He's done becomes a natural, daily function. We no longer take our lives for granted or anything else for that matter.

His Word tells us about the benefits of our thanksgiving to Him.

1. God inhabits the place of praise. His presence is guaranteed. (Ps. 22:3) This is truly something to praise Him for because even Satan has to bow down to Him and
therefore he can't keep you held in bondage anymore.

2. God will take over your battles. (Ps. 34:4) This is when you tell Him you can't do this by yourself. Give Him your problems and watch Him go to work on your behalf.

3. Diverse miracles will take place. (Ps. 103:7) God did exploits for Moses when He parted the Red Sea.
4. Pride is destroyed. (Jer. 9:23) God's word doesn't have
very many nice things to say about a person's pride. He will make low a person with pride. In giving praise, it will destroy the poison of pride. The glory belongs to the Lord.

5. Praise will preserve blessings. (Josh. 24:28; Ps.102:18) God promises our inheritance through generations of those who love and praise Him.

6. We will flourish and be elevated. (Ps. 92:12) Praising brings raising!

Praise and Thanksgiving is not a religion or even a holiday.
It's not something we do just one day a week or one day a year. It's much more than that, it's a commandment, a commitment on our part.

When we come to our heavenly Father in praise, we should expect to ask Him for anything, according to His will, and it shall be given.

"Keep on asking, and it will be given you, keep on seeking and you will find, keep on knocking (reverently) and (the door) will be opened to you." Matt. 7:7 (Amplified)

The key word in this verse is "keep". God's ways are not our ways, we don't snap a finger and expect Him to give us
everything we ask for. Sometimes, the answer is "No" if it's not in His will for us, but through maturing in Christ, you will learn what and how to ask. Other times, He makes us wait, only because there is something we need to learn first in order to recognize the blessing. In our requests we need to know this also:

"And if (since) we (positively) know that He listens to us in whatever we ask, we also know (with settled and absolute knowledge) that we have (granted our present possessions) the requests made of Him." 1 Jn. 5:15 (Amplified)

"Do not fret or have anxiety about anything, but in every circumstance and in everything, by prayer and petition
(definite requests), with thanksgiving, continue to make your wants known to God." Phil. 4:6 (Amplified)

If you have never felt that God was listening to your prayers, call on His Son Jesus. Tell God you're sorry that you have sinned and you want to be washed clean in the blood of His Son Christ Who died for your sins and rose again. Tell God you are giving your life to Christ in order that you may come to Him with all your prayers and petitions because you are now His child.

If you have said this prayer with total commitment from your heart, Christ will come and live in you through the Holy Spirit. This Holy Spirit will make the ways of God clear for you to keep from sinning and will give you a deep seeded desire to praise Him and give Him thanks in everything.

We are not saved by what we do but by trusting what Christ has already done.

Vivian Gordon a child of the King who desires that all who read her articles will come to Christ and be saved. Her writing is inspired by the Holy Spirit and is a God given gift that she can share with others.

You Know Your Life Is On Purpose When You Know Yourself As A World Citizen

By Brad Swift

As of this writing over 155,000 of our brothers and sisters have died in Asia from the natural disaster of a tsunami. As Ann and I have watched the death toll climb over the past week, Ann reminded me that we are not simply citizens of Flat Rock, or of North Carolina, or of the United States -- we are world citizens. We are all on this planet together, playing the game called life full out, doing the best we can in each situation, and if we're ever to truly experience a World On Purpose we can no longer isolate ourselves by made up borders or beliefs.

Another interesting number that I heard related to the tsunami disaster was that over 1 billion dollars had been pledged to help the victims. One thing that we did as a family on New Year's Eve was to discuss what we felt we could do as 'world citizens' to help our world family through this challenging time. Here's what we came up with. I share this simply to encourage and to inspire others to explore for themselves what they can do.

It has evolved into a simple 4 Step Plan:

1. Pray for those most affected. You might include in your prayer something like this: "Please help us recognize that what has happened is an opportunity masquerading as a natural disaster. It is an opportunity for us all to come together as ONE in love and harmony. Help me stay mindful to this opportunity."

2. Contribute some 'good green energy' of money now to help the people of Asia to get through these next few weeks. Our 12-year old daughter, Amber, asked if she could contribute from her "Future Fund"-- money that has been set aside for her future/college. Realizing she has no future that doesn't include the rest of the world, we agreed.

3. Pledge to continue giving throughout the year. After all, the rebuilding process will take years. Long after this matter is no longer in the news, there will still be much to do, so we felt some continual support was important. One way we're planning to provide ongoing support is by 'adopting' or sponsoring one or more children. Here are a couple of the agencies through which this can be done:

www.savethechildren.org
As a child sponsor, you'll see up close and personal, through corresponding with your sponsored child, how you are helping to create a better, brighter future for children in need. For less than a $1 a day, your sponsored child and others in the community can benefit from quality education, school health and nutrition programs and many other initiatives.

www.planusa.org
Child sponsorship makes a difference in a child's life. Your participation results in benefits like safe, clean drinking water, improved education and health care, increased family income, and more in countries where such benefits are often unattainable. You'll be helping to provide the most basic needs of your sponsored child.

Another way to provide support is through the Heifer Project:

www.heifer.org/
After immediate needs for food, shelter, fresh water, clothing and other necessities have been met, Heifer works within communities to empower disaster survivors with the economic means - such as livestock, training and other resources - to rebuild their families, their neighborhoods and their hope for sustainable futures.

4. Share with others and invite their participation in whatever way works for them. (Like I'm doing right now.)

If you realize that you're a world citizen also and want to contribute as well, here's a web site that has a list of organizations that are at work in disaster relief:
www.redcross.org/
www.networkforgood.org/

Help Support Disaster Relief in Southeast Asia
People across Southeast Asia, stricken by the Tsunami Disaster, need your help to recover and rebuild - many have lost everything. Please join millions of other generous Americans and support one or many of the important relief organizations with a safe and easy contribution now. Your cash contributions are desperately needed and will provide assistance to those whose lives have been devastated by this terrible disaster.

©2005 Brad Swift of Life On Purpose Institute, Inc.
This article can be reprinted freely online, as long as the entire article and this resource box are included.
PPE 1/10/05

Dr. Brad Swift founded Life On Purpose Institute in 1996 with the vision of creating a World On Purpose by assisting people like yourself to clarify their life purpose & live true to it. Determine how on or off purpose your life is with the fun & insightful Self Test at:
http://lifeonpurpose.com/_forms/self-test.php?source=ezart
Inspire yourself with a fr.ee subscription to Purposeful Pondering Ezine:
http://lifeonpurpose.com/index.php?dir=_ezines&task=view-ezines

How to Find Hope, Remove Fear and Live Again by Harvesting the Power of Your Mind

By Entjik Jeffrie

Knowing something but not doing something about it is equal of not knowing at all.

When you have eyes but you don’t use them to see, you’re as good as blind. When you have a great mind, but you never to use it to think, you’re as good as not having one.

Let me make it very brief and clear to you. You are blessed with a great, awesome and wonderful gift, it is called your mind or we can call it your brain.

Where you are right now in life depends on what your mind makes of you! You can not get your Bachelor degree, master degree and PhD degree today without the use of your mind!

Earn Nightingale says that we become what our mind thinks about all day! Let say, you get into an accident and your brain is damaged during the accident and your ability to read and write is gone from your mind!

I don’t care if you are the CEO of a company or a director of an organization, but I can assure you that you will not be able to keep your present position today if your ability to read and write is taken away from your mind today.

A human being without a working mind is called a brain dead patient, he/she must be connected to a life support machine that can help them breath and to live, because their mind can no longer control their bodily function, they can no longer love their love ones, they can no longer remember their families and loved ones, and they can no longer work.

Oh my friend, you are the most awesome creation that is ever built on the face of the earth! A human mind can create the most powerful force that can even destroy the whole entire earth and its population.

How do some hard working immigrants from other countries come to the United States and become multi millionaires? They can’t even speak English when they first came to the United States and they do not even understand the culture and the language, but these hard working immigrants who are not lazy use their God’s given gift which is their mind to learn the culture and to learn the English language, so they can be very successful in the United States.

My friend, if you are ever tempted of being lazy to use your mind, think twice! Be grateful and thankful that you still have a functioning brain and mind that allows you to think!

Your mind is powerful! It can help you find solutions on how to get you out of your present problems and circumstances. Your mind is the wonder of this world, there is nothing like it. Because of a human mind, the Great Wall of China was built, the Eiffel Tower of Paris is now here, the Empire State Building stands tall in Manhattan today, the nuclear power, and every single invention that is ever invented, it is invented because of the greatness of our mind!

You are alive today on this planet earth because of the mind you have! Once your mind dies, your mind can no longer tell your body what to do, you will lay asleep, helpless and you will no longer be able to do anything or make any decision for yourself.

I appeal to you right here, right now that you will use your mind and invest in your mind, because today will be your greatest day ever on this planet! Now I want you to realize something that you never realized before. You have the greatest gift on this earth that no animals, bacteria or virus have! You my friend are a human being that is gifted with a great mind to change the world! Your mind will rock this world!

You can be a hero in your home and your own family, because today is your day my friend! Today is the day that you and I will keep pressing forward toward our goals and dreams! Today is the day that you can I will never ever give up in spite of the challenges of life!

For today is your day my friend, today is your day my friend! Get up, stand up and stand tall! You are special, you are awesome and you are able to change your present circumstances! There will be no more word of despair coming out of your mouth ever because you can do great things, you can achieve great success, you can get to your dreams and goals, because you have the greatest gift on earth and it is called "Your mind!"

© Copyright 2005 Pebden.com, Author: Entjik Jeffrie, All Rights Reserved.

Confidence Building Steps That Work Like Crazy!

By Annette Colby

Self-confidence is your assessment of your own self-worth. It plays a large part in determining your happiness through life. So how do you create confidence? Well here's a surprise - you take action! If you don’t currently have much self-confidence, let’s explore the options on how to cultivate this trait within your life.

NFL legend Roger Stauback (Cowboys Quarterback 1969-1979) said, "Confidence doesn't come out of nowhere. It's a result of something...hours and days and weeks and years of constant work and dedication." No, you don’t have to dedicate your life to professional sports or be a super hero to have confidence. It’s much easier than that. It just takes a decision that you find yourself worthy of deciding on which general direction you want to head towards in life (i.e. an overall goal), then following through with the steps it takes to have what you want. Goal setting is an important method of:

Deciding what is important to you to achieve in your life

Separating what is important for you from what is irrelevant

Allowing yourself to feel good by motivating yourself to achievement

Building your self-confidence based on measured achievement of goals

Your level of confidence is not fixed (meaning it can’t be changed) nor will it magically appear at the end of your goal. Being true to yourself means knowing exactly what you want and coming up with a strategy, a plan of how to achieve it. But more than that, it means deciding to have fun while you are in the process of creating something new for yourself. Confidence comes from deciding which specific actions you will take today, following through on those actions, and then recognizing to yourself that you followed through. This means taking a little time at the end of the day to sit with yourself and feel good about your efforts. Nobel Peace Prize winner Albert Schweitzer suggests, "Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful."

No one is forcing you to do something that is difficult (i.e. achieve the goal you’ve set for yourself). You alone decided you wanted to have something you didn’t currently have. You alone decided you wanted to expand your life experience. Your goals are the vehicle through which you allow yourself to have what you want and feel really good in the process. Goals are a solo act. And you alone are the allower or disallower of what you want.

Every time you make a decision during the day, ask yourself this question, "Does this choice take me closer to, or further from my goal." If the answer is "closer to," then you've made a decision to allow yourself to be successful. Notice how that feels in your body. If the answer is "further from," notice how that feels. Decide what choice you can make to feel better, more alive, more expanded.

If you didn’t make the daily choice to support yourself in having your goal, decide if you wish to develop a new potential solution to having what you want or re-evaluate what you want. If your goals no longer hold any attraction for you, then let them go. Goal setting should bring you pleasure, satisfaction and a sense of achievement.

Every time you allow yourself to take a step in the direction of what you want also take the time to celebrate and feel as good in your body as you possibly can. Otherwise, what’s the point? Life is about how good you can allow yourself to feel from the inside out, and setting a goal is the process you go through to feel better and better inside your body as you recognize the power of your own self.

Lasting self-confidence comes when you eventually realize that you have the ability to get from where you are to wherever you want to go. You are the designer of your life. You alone hold the key to your success. Lasting self-confidence comes as you no longer choose fear and self-criticism as methods for motivation. Instead you come to realize it is your job to focus on what you want and create a fertile area for your desire to grow on.

Dr. Annette Colby, RD
Nutrition Therapist & Master Energy Healer
For free inspirational newsletter, articles & info visit:
http://www.LovingMiracles.com
972.985.8750
"Opening Creative Portals to Success"

The Power Of A Dream - Success Always Start Off With A Dream

By Justin Koh

Back in the good old days of school, the teachers would often catch us for daydreaming in class and not paying attention. "Stop dreaming! Dreaming will get you nowhere," yelled the teacher. Is it really so? Does 'dreaming' really get you nowhere in life? The answer is 'Yes'...and 'No'. If you dream and you took massive action to achieve your dream, your dream could very well come true for you. However, if you dream and take no action, it remains just a powerless dream.

Every success in this world always starts off with a dream. A dream to earning passive income from Internet Marketing, a dream to Joint-Venture with well-known gurus and a dream to earn $10,000 a day from a web business. In short, in order to accomplish great things, you need to have a dream. A dream will give you the vision, the drive and the energy to channel all your available resources into it, propelling you to soar greater heights towards the fulfilment of your goals.

As the saying goes, "If you can see it, you can have it." If you were able to 'see' your dream in your mind, you would be able to work towards it. However, if you are not able to 'see' the dream at all, there is absolutely no dream for you to reach out to. When that happens, you will always remain at where you are and there will not be any significant breakthrough in your life. Not only must you be able to 'see' your dream, you must also see it with clarity. The image that you 'see' in your dream cannot be vague; it must be as clear as crystal so that you know exactly what you want and where you are heading to. Plus, you must be able to see yourself in that place, in that time, attaining or doing that thing which you so desire. The power of a dream will then be fully realized when you have given 'legs' to your dream.

As you reach out for your dream, I promise you that as you take massive action towards it, there will be obstacles to meet you along your journey. However, the power of a dream cannot be underestimated. By having an iron will to hold on to your dream, you will always find a way to conquer all obstacles that come in your way.

Start dreaming today! And remember, Dreams Do Come True.

Gifts Download: http://www.internetmasterycenter.com/freeload.html

Justin Koh & Nelson Tan are the architects behind Internet Mastery Center (http://www.internetmasterycenter.com) and Fresh Resources (http://www.freshresources.com).

This article is free for reprint in your website, e-mails and other mediums with permission by default. The signature must be included. If it is for a profitable purpose e.g. content for a paid e-book, you must notify us.

Motivational Posters - A Source Of Inspiration?

By Willie Jones

What Inspires You? What motivates you to get up in the morning? Are you one of those people who have a burning desire to achieve something or are you drifting along doing your daily routine? This is something you may not have put much attention on or even any at all but, if you look closely, you may find that there may have been one or more people who have inspired you in your life.

Any person who has been successful at something will tell you something like, my grandma always said…or my dad always gave me the best advice, or someone once said to me…! Get the picture?

Words can be very powerful in influencing our lives. A certain phrase can suddenly just hit you and BAM; a sudden realization can change the direction you’re going in! The reaction one has to these realizations varies tremendously.

You may find that a certain saying moves you while Joe next store doesn’t feel moved by it at all.

There are many areas of life that we look for inspiration or motivation; love and relationships, business, sales, and even in times of trouble such as war and natural disasters.

If you were in the military, you might find something like this quote, as seen on a motivational print, to be something that inspires you; “Bravery-Soldier…It takes an extraordinary person to face danger and maintain composure”.

A mother may find this inspirational, “Direction-Family…There are two important things we can give our children. One of them is roots, and the other is wings”

Another is “Leadership-Fisherman…A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”.

These are all quotes that are often seen on motivational prints in offices and homes, but individuals we know or meet in our daily lives can also inspire us.

The visual of the poster or print along with an inspirational saying underneath can be a great tool to inspire your self and others and serve as a reminder of the path you are on.

Remember though that an inspiration or motivation from others is only as good as what we ourselves contribute to it. The real motivation comes from within.

Hang them up at work or at home and enjoy!

Willie Jones

Willie Jones is a freelance writer, researcher, floral designer, and artist. “When Art Inspires, Dreams Become Reality”. http://www.artinspires.com “Make sure you enroll in the free motivational poster drawing. All winners receive a free framed print.”

Life Inspiration: 12 Tips for Successful Living

By Jeff Herring

1. Constant affirmation without accountability is a sure-fire way to cripple a child. In other words, belief in yourself without responsibility leads to a sense of entitlement.

2. Raise your hand if you've ever been rejected for anything, anytime, anywhere. We all have. How would you like to have a nice little four-letter word for the next time you're rejected? It's: NEXT. Next sale, next job, next date, next whatever.

3. Beware of people who use their own emotional pain as a tool to manipulate others instead of as a motivation to change themselves.

4. Parents of teens need to watch out for NMK Syndrome: Not My Kid, as in "my kid couldn't have done ___" (fill in the blank). Well, yes, they could have. Even if you have faithfully raised them not to do certain things, kids still have the power of choice, which means they can make bad choices.

NMK Syndrome can blind you to something that needs immediate attention. Trust in your kids and in your parenting, and always check out what you hear.

5. When you receive a notice in your credit card statement that says, "Congratulations, because of your excellent payment history, there is no minimum fee due this month," it's not a time for celebration. You're still being charged interest. These people are not your friends.

6. It's a humbling and sobering experience to have a child who wants to be like you.

7. I've noticed more and more people doing what I call "caboose living."

Picture a three-car train. The engine in front we'll call facts/reality; the car in the middle is our thoughts, beliefs, decisions, choices and behaviors based on the facts; the caboose is our feelings. The facts/reality come first, then thoughts and behaviors followed by feelings.

Many folks try to run their life train with the caboose (feelings) in the lead. Feelings are interesting and important, but they cannot drive the train. Pay attention to your feelings, but let the facts/reality drive the train.

8. A successful marriage requires selective and strategic ignoring. The right things to ignore are little habits and irritating peculiarities that we all have. The problem comes when you select the wrong things to ignore.

9. I wonder if it's a bad thing to believe that football on TV is one of the first signs of fall approaching.

10. Most folks live with the illusion that worrying about something can actually make a difference. The only possible way that worrying can make a difference is if the worrying motivates you to take action to do something about the subject of your worry.

11.People often say, "Well, I'm just going with the flow." The problem with going with the flow is that many times the flow is lost and does not know where it is going.

12. Best quote I've seen since last time, by Miami Herald columnist Leonard Pitts: "At some point, though, a problem ought to be defined less by our ability to explain why it happens than by our willingness to demand that it happen no more."

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.

20 Ways To Improve Your Life

By Saleem Rana

People often ask me how they can improve their lives.

I always give them very specific advice on simple things they can do to create a radical shift in their experience of life.

Here are 20 ways to improve your life. I challenge you to act on each one. Adopt one a day. You will be done with the list in 20 days, but in 3 months time, your life will have changed beyond recognition!

1. Make a definite plan for success. Fix a time limit to this plan. Determine the benefits of your goal.

2. Hold on to a positive attitude. See the best in any situation. Positive thinking heals your body and vitalizes your mind. A negative outlook is self-destructive.

3. Give your employer your best service. Even if you’re underpaid, you’ll create a twofold bonus. First, you’ll increase your level of skill, and this can taranslate to a higher income later on. Second, you’ll win sufficient goodwill to attact the favor of your boss or a competitor. The more you give, the more you receive.

4. Continue to learn more about your job. Knowledge is power, and power creates increased income.

5. Work on being calm and even-tempered. An angry or bitter person is hard to get along with. Along with your positive mental attitude comes positive emotions. This enhances both your relationships and your health.

6. Share your goals with others. It is easier to achieve something when you’re working on it with someone else. If your goal is too individualistic to share with others, at least get some moral support, some people to cheer you on your way.

7. Put your faith in a higher power. Such faith removes many fears, like fear of poverty, criticism, ill health, loss of liberty, old age, and death.

8. Avoid bad habits, especially those offensive to other people. For example, criticizing others, gossiping, slandering. Also avoid taking in toxic material, like alcohol and cigarettes. Why would you want to ruin your liver and lungs?

9. Plan your work and complete each day’s work. Include in your plan, ways to work more effieciently. Don’t leave for tomorrow what can be done today. Tomorrow will have its own demands. Progress means moving forward.

10. Enjoy your work. If you don’t feel enthused, it’s time for a change.

11. Concentrate on your work. And stay at the same task until you finish it. Being easily influenced by other options and abandoning your plans when things go awry can be discouraging, and creates a sense of frustration and failure. .

12. Work in harmony with others. Help people when they ask for it. Avoid arguing, gossiping, judging. Each of us is doing our best to survive as we know how.

13. Learn from your defeats. Use your mistakes to learn what not to do. Convert your liabilities into assets. Consistently learning from errors and improving, enduring the learning curve, is necessary for success. Remember, temporary failure is only feedback. Creative work requires patience and committment. It takes time to be great.

14. Imagination is a two-edged sword. On one hand, you can create thoughts that expand your personal vision and empower you. On the other hand, you can create visions of doom that limit and frighten you. Choose to imagine your best possible outcomes. Be open to your many possibilities.

15. Allocate a fixed percentage of your income to savings. A part of all you earn should be yours to keep. Its a source of great comfort to have extra cash. Life is full of surprises. Things are going to break down unexpectedly. Opportunities are going to arise out of nowhere. Be prepared.

16. Contribute. Allocate some of what you earn to help others. The money may come back multiplied or it may give a deep sense of satisfaction.

17. Observe sound principles of health. You are not just a mind, but a body, too. Your body needs exercise, healthy food, deep relaxation, a sense of pleasure, and sufficient sleep.

18. Seek sound advice when you’re confused. Refer to people, books, and the internet, or other sources of information to get a wide spectrum of ideas and then decide for yourself what will best resolve your question.

19. Live with integrity. Create a reputation of reliability. When people can trust you, you open up a whole new world of opportunities. Your handshake should be as good as a written contract.

20. Listen to your dreams. Those you have at night, and those which whisper in your heart during the day. They may reveal to you a path of great joy.

As you read through this list, all the information will sound familiar. However, act on this information and you will shift your life to a whole new level of quality.

Resource Box

Saleem Rana got his Masters degree in psychotherapy from California Lutheran University. His articles on the internet have inspired over ten thousand people from around the world. Discover how to create a remarkable life

Copyright 2004 Saleem Rana. Please feel free to pass this
article on to your friends, or use it in your ezine or
newsletter. It's a shareware article.

Self Esteem - What It Really Is and How to Raise It

By Jeff Herring

Self esteem.

Now there's a well used and little understood term. Self esteem seems to be one of those terms that we frequently use without really knowing exactly what it means. Just what is this self esteem thing? And where do you go to get some? I've never seen a self esteem store at the mall. Not yet any way.

Many people tend to define self esteem as the way you feel about yourself, which seems to be a little redundant. For the sake of this column, let's define self esteem as the perceptions and beliefs you have about yourself.

Having said all that, let's focus in on a quick and simple way to improve your self esteem.

One of the quickest and simplest methods for improving your self esteem is simply to rate it on what I call the Self Esteem Rating Scale(TM).

Here's how it works: on a scale of one to ten, with one being the worst and ten being the best, rate your self esteem in these four ways?:

1) what it is now
2) the worst it's ever been
3) the best it's ever been
4) how you would like it to be

Now, having done that (if you haven't done that, go back and do it before you read on, it just takes a few seconds!) consider these things:

What were you doing when it was the worst that you might need to eliminate?

What were you doing when it was the best that you might need to resume doing, continue doing, or do more of in the future?

If your self esteem now is higher than the worst it's ever been, what did you do to change it that you might want to continue to do?

Now take a look at the difference between what your self esteem is now and what you would like it to be. The difference is the ground you need to cover to improve your self esteem. Now for a seemingly bizarre and unrelated question. How do you like your pizza? Just bare with me here. However you like it, what would happen if you tried to eat an extra large version of it in one bite? That's right, you couldn't do it and would probably choke. So you slice it into smaller pieces and then take even smaller bites to accomplish the task.

It's the same way with self esteem. For example, let's say your self esteem is now a five and you would like it to be a ten. That's a difference of five self esteem levels. If you tried to jump from a five to a ten all at once, you would probably become frustrated, discouraged and give up. It's just to big a leap.

What you can do is begin to break it into manageable pieces by asking yourself "What will it take to move from a five to a six, a six to a seven?" , and so on. In this way you are biting off manageable chunks that will give you the opportunity to achieve small successes, which can then motivate you on to the bigger successes of accomplishing your self esteem goal.

While using the Self Esteem Rating Scale can be a quick and easy way to improve your self esteem, that's not to say it won't involve some struggles. And that's a good thing because I believe there is value in the struggle. A patient of mine recently shared the following wonderful story about butterflies and the value of struggling.

Now if you have ever had the privilege of watching the amazing process of a butterfly leaving its cocoon, you know its quite a struggle. Well, it seems some scientists, in their esteemed wisdom, found a way to get butterflies out of their cocoons without a struggle. What they found however, was that the butterflies that had to struggle out of their cocoons lived longer, flew better, and were more beautiful than the butterflies that were removed without a struggle.

Besides saying something about the value of the struggle, I believe it also says something to us about the difference between science and success!

Maybe it's like something Tom Hanks said in the movie "A League of Their Own." One of the players was complaining about how hard something was and Hanks responded, "Of course it's hard. That's what makes it good." Or perhaps it's like I say to many of my patients who want to change their self esteem, "I won't promise you the struggle will be easy, just worth it."

Visit SecretsofGreatRelationships.com for tips and tools for creating and growing a great relationship. You can also subscribe to our f*r*e*e 10 day e-program on how to enrich your relationship today, from relationship coach and expert Jeff Herring.

The Power of Inner SELF

By Santosh Kunte

I am sharing one of the great insights.The fear that we have about venturing into anything new is our past memories and darkness. There is a way out to walk in the darkness. It’s to seek active guidance from within and trust deeply that we are guided from within. The intensity and accuracy of the guidance dependence on our contact with inner teacher/leader/light. In fact the fear is nothing but fear of being alone. Some day, we deeply and experientially understand that we are not alone but intimately and moment to moment guided by the inner teacher. Seek to be guided and your trust will never be faltered, you got to remove the thought that you are alone.

All rest on our intimate knowledge of this inner guidance which is available on seeking active contact and this power is available 24/7 with us. The problem is that we get lost in our own ideas borne of fear and align ourselves from our inner teacher. Whosoever is intimately connected with the inner teacher will shine brighter every moment with renewed intensity and can dare to step into creating the life of their dream with the trust, guidance (listen for guidance) and intimacy with the inner self.

Daring and trust goes hand in hand and trust can not come until we can validate that we are not alone but guided actively every moment. For this validity, we have to experiment for sometime with our inner self and form the conviction that it’s not just my dream or vision but its god’s vision or dream manifesting through me for this part of my world. This conviction is the source of inner power. LISTEN TO INNER SELF FOR MAKING ROADS IN THE CHOSEN DIRECTION.Courage to act upon come from inner support which one's tested becomes a reserve bank to draw upon for venturing into bigger and better projects.

Author: Santosh Kunte – Mumbai India. An avid reader of the spiritual knowledge, engineering graduate and executive. Loves reading meditation and sharing. You can reach me by dropping an e-mail on sskunte2@rediffmail.com

Finding Hope In Trying Times

By Dr. Rita Louise

Growing up, as a child of the 60’s, peace, love and harmony were the words being chanted by the hippies, flower children and all who questioned authority and were against the Vietnam War. I remember thinking how I couldn’t wait to grow up. I knew in my young mind it was only a matter of time before these youthful rebels would age and mature and eventually be able to take their place in the world of politics and public opinion. With it, they would be able to change all the things they saw wrong with the “establishment” from a place of power and influence and not from the streets.

I recall my excitement, thinking what a wonderful world it will be, knowing that these brave crusaders were blazing a trail before me, their radical new views and opinions becoming a reality. And at that young age, I recognized I would be the first generation to reap the benefits of their efforts. I felt blessed to be born in such a historic time.

Wow, was I wrong.

Often I ask myself, where have all the flower children gone? Where are the young men and women who fought for life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness? Where are the people who burned flags, bras and draft cards; who marched on college campuses and on Washington DC so their voices could be heard? I find it hard to believe the thoughts and values they fought so valiantly for have disappeared and are only a fond memory of a golden age gone by.

Over the past few months, this point has become painfully obvious. As I work with clients and talk with friends I hear the sound of hopelessness in their voices. They watch as gas and food prices soar. They gaze in disbelief as senseless violence escalates. They stand by helplessly as their jobs are moved overseas and their personal freedoms are taken away one-by-one. In the end, they are left feeling impotent because they are unable to control the path their lives are taking and feel powerless to change it.

It’s interesting, because on an individual basis, all we want is to be happy, healthy and live our lives in integrity. We want to know that we will have a job to go to on Monday. We want to be able to feed our children, breath the air around us, drink the water and step outside our homes. Instead we have become increasingly alienated by the harsh reality of our world, a reality which creates conflicts between how things are and how we would like them to be. Thus we end up feeling dissatisfied and give up all hope of a better, simpler life.

Hopelessness is a hard emotion to experience; one we have embraced at some point in our lives. It seems to happen just before we hit rock bottom, when we can’t see the light at the end of the tunnel or when life seems futile and we just want to give up. It is a natural part of the human condition.

Over the last six months, the feeling of hopelessness has become overwhelming for many of us. Every time we turn around there’s a crisis. Someone we love dies, we loose our job or our child falls ill. After the situation we are facing is handled, it isn’t long before another challenge steps into our lives and once more the drama begins anew. With this unrelenting pressure, we are left feeling tired and disillusioned - transforming the most optimistic person into a pessimist.

Today, the pressures being experienced are not only coming from our personal lives but also from a much larger community - the world of big business and the political arena. As we watch what is going on in the world we may think “What can I do to change or affect what is going on?” Unfortunately, in our state of hopelessness, the answer we receive is “nothing”.

Because we believe our lone voice will never be heard, we end up conceding to the futility of fighting the establishment. And in our sea of inner disquiet we realize that we are being coerced into accepting a system which does not support us and the greater good of society. It is from this perspective that we surrender our power and feel we are unable to bring about change.

It is said, that it is always the darkest before the dawn. For many of us, the truth is we cannot even see the light at the end of the tunnel. We are living in the midst of darkness, hoping and praying for even the faintest glimmer of light to emerge. And so while this period in human history may not be fun, there are many blessings that will come from it.

The good news is hopelessness causes us to go within. It forces us to reflect and evaluate our lives. It provides us the opportunity to uncover steps necessary to alter our life course. As a result, we find a strength which helps to build our inner resolve and restore our faith.

We also have to realize that we are not alone. There are countless millions who are feeling trapped, hopeless and at the end of their rope. What the “Powers-That-Be” don’t realize is that it is only a matter of time before they push us far enough into a corner that we will have no choice but to take a stand. When that happens, it won’t matter what they say or want us to do. When we determine enough is enough the strength of our unity as a whole will make a difference and a change will begin on all levels.

So for all of us, the sick, the tired, the forlorn, remember…It’s just a matter of time. Things can’t keep going the way they are. Change is inevitable. So whether today, tomorrow or next year, we must let the light shine into our darkened tunnels to lift the veil of hopelessness and despair. With this newfound sense of hope, we will be able to walk peacefully through the darkest of night. We will find through our renewed courage, fortitude and sense of self that we will be able to create a world of change.

© Copyright Body, Mind & SoulHealer 2005. All rights reserved.

Naturopathic Physician, Dr. Rita Louise, Ph.D. is the author of the books “Avoiding the Cosmic 2x4” and “The Power Within”. It is her unique gift as a medical intuitive and clairvoyant that illuminates and enlivens her work. Let Dr. Louise help you bring health healing and wholeness back into your life. Her unique insights bridge the worlds of science, spirit and culture and are changing the way the world views physical, mental and emotional health. Visit http://www.soulhealer.com or call 972-475-3393 for more information.

Number that Decides Your Success

By Krishnan Chinnasamy

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

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

Of these "number" is the one resource.

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

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

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

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

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

His/her passport is identified with the number.

His/her vehicle is identified with the number.

His/her bank account is identified with the number.

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Not all the marriages, last long.

Not all the business partners last long.

Not all can become a successful journalist.

Not all can excel in the scientific field.

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

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

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

C.Krishnan, was formerly a Government official in a state government corporation in India.

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

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

Your Self-Image - How Is It Working for You?

By Gerri D Smith

"All that you desire or require is already on your pathway, but you must be wide awake to your good to bring it into manifestation." - Florence Scovel Shinn

Whether you are a professional secretary, a nurse, a vice-president in a large corporate organization; a creative arts director, or an attorney, as a total individual, you must always strive for self- improvement. Your personal image is what sets you apart from all others. Your image speaks for itself and has a lot to do with the way others see you.

Imagine how you feel when you …..

> Treat others with respect. Extend courtesy. Show consideration. Be kind. Know yourself and how you’d feel if you were in the same situation and required assistance from someone else. Whenever you feel tempted to criticize another person-- today, tomorrow, or next week-- realize that criticisms are like homing pigeons, they always come back to peck you.

> Take charge of your life. Knowing what you want to achieve, and setting out to fulfill even a minor goal leads you down the right road to a life filled with successes. Having the courage to go for your goals requires you to act from a position of strength.

And in order to achieve your desired result, your goal must be worthy. Do not become discouraged when a specific goal isn’t successful. It takes lots of practice to get it right. The important point is that you acted.

> Work smarter, not harder; be more efficient, not faster, and always strive to be better, and avoid carelessness. Do not dwell on past mistakes. Be aware of what you did incorrectly and learn from it. Then avoid repeating the same mistake the next time.

Try not to blame others for your faults. No one else is responsible for your actions--not what you feel, not what you do, or what you say, or how you react in any situation. Take each new day as it is given to you. Learn to create a pleasant experience for yourself and for others.

> Accept and initiate change. If something isn’t working, find a better way to complete the task--don’t give up. Doing tasks the same old way may work for a time, but if there’s a way it can be done more efficiently, try a different method. And a more effective way may be discovered. After all, there is no right way and no wrong way to do a task….it may just be whatever feels right to you.

Respect for yourself and others. In building your self-image, courtesy, taking charge of your life, and working smarter are all good habits to develop. Your life may improve when you practice these habits daily. Then find others to add to the list. You’ll be amazed at how good it makes you feel.

Copyright, 2005

Author, Publisher, and Writer Gerri D Smith dares you to be inspired. Now is the perfect time to invest in your future. Subscribe to DBW's Free inspirational newsletter for women business owners, home-based business individuals, and entrepreneurs. Through articles, special reports, business opportunities, suport, offers, and resources, you are inspired to succeed. Get the tools to empower your life. Visit: http://www.distinctivebusinesswomen.com