BOOKS (NEW) ON SPIRITUALITY (“The Spiritual Journey”) by craig lock

1the-light-of-the-universe (from vineandbranchworldministries.com)

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BOOKS (NEW) ON SPIRITUALITY (“The Spiritual Journey”)
By Craig Lock

All in paper-back (as well as Kindle editions)
From http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid=1374375740

Beyond the Zone: “A book out of this world” by craig g lock (Jul 17, 2013)

This book is available at: http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Zone-book-this-world/dp/1491018135

3.

The Spiritual Path: “The Way”: What is God? I’ve thought a lot about God over the years by craig lock (Jul 19, 2013)
This book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/gp/product/1491037512

Paper-back and Kindle editions

4.

A Simple Look at Religion(s): “Spirituality for Dummies” by craig lock (Jul 19, 2013)

[Paperback]
This book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/Simple-Look-Religion-Spirituality-Dummies/dp/1491038292/

“My Talks with God”: A Journey of Listening to the Still Voice Within and Following My Calling in Life by craig lock and A Spirit (Jul 20, 2013)
This book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/My-Talks-God-Listening-Following/dp/1491040858

6.
8.

“When the Penny Dropped”: A Beginner’s Guide to Spirituality (in Finding the Holy Grail) by craig g lock and a Spirit (Jul 20, 2013)

This book is available at:
http://www.amazon.com/When-Penny-Dropped-Beginners-Spirituality/dp/1491044403

“My Talks with God”: A Journey of Listening to the Still Voice Within and Following My Calling in Life by craig lock and A Spirit (Jul 20, 2013)

Available at http://www.amazon.com/My-Talks-God-Listening-Following/dp/1491040858

6.

How to Understand and Know God: God simplified and demystified! by craig lock and a Spirit (Jul 21, 2013)
http://www.amazon.com/How-Understand-Know-God-demystified/dp/1491046422/

7.

Jesus For “The Non-Religious” by craig lock (Jul 21, 2013)

http://www.amazon.com/Jesus-Non-Religious-craig-lock/dp/149104926X

8.

“The Two…or Three Jesus’s”: Teacher (great)… Prophet…or God? by craig lock and a Spirit (Jul 21, 2013)

Available at http://www.amazon.com/Two-Three-Jesuss-Teacher-Prophet/dp/1491052775/

“The Two…or Three Jesus’s”: Teacher (great)… Prophet…or God? by craig lock and a Spirit (Jul 21, 2013)

http://www.amazon.com/Two-Three-Jesuss-Teacher-Prophet/dp/1491052775
New Used

8.

The Real, the True, the Living Jesus: “The Word” by craig lock and a Spirit (Jul 22, 2013)
http://www.amazon.com/Real-True-Living-Jesus-Word/dp/1491055359/

9.

The Overlap between the Mind and Spirituality: An Examination into Human Consciousness by craig lock and A Spirit (Jul 21, 2013)
http://www.amazon.com/Overlap-between-Mind-Spirituality-Consciousness/dp/1491055707
Used

10.

Beyond the Zone: “A book out of this world” by craig g lock (Jul 17, 2013)
Formats Price New Used
http://www.amazon.com/Beyond-Zone-book-this-world/dp/1491018135/

11.

“When the Penny Dropped”: A Beginner’s Guide to Spirituality (in Finding the Holy Grail) by craig g lock and a Spirit (Jul 20, 2013)
http://www.amazon.com/When-Penny-Dropped-Beginners-Spirituality/dp/1491044403

“Our Journey”: MY NOTES FROM BIBLE 1 (black) [Paperback]
http://www.amazon.com/Our-Journey-NOTES-BIBLE-black/dp/1491092904

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
http://www.lulu.com/craiglock and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

All proceeds to needy and underprivileged children –
MINE!

PPS
Don’t worry about the world ending today…
it’s already tomorrow in “little scenic and tranquil” New Zealand

A New Book: The Victory Lap

Just got the title for a new book: ‘The Victory Lap’

Just got the title for a new book: The Victory Lap

“Blessed is the man who endures temptation; for when he has been approved, he will receive the crown of life which the Lord has promised to those that love Him.”

James 1:12

As a sequel to The Greatest Race…the Race of Life

better start writing it then… OK. Here goes…

* EPILOGUE

(From To the End of the Rainbow)

THE GRAND PRIX CHAMPION

The Grand Prix driver crossed the finishing line on the ribbon of tarmac beneath the colourful banner stretching across the width of the oil and rubber smeared tarmac below to win the Monaco Grand Prix in the year that was 2009. Exhausted (both mentally and physically) and saturated with sweat, the champion driver in the theatre of speed raised his arms, in celebration, glorious triumph, knowing that he had driven his last.. and the best ever race in his long and illustrious career. As the great champion of the world drove under the banner proclaiming ‘Sport for Peace’ and received the chequered flag to the silent roars of the crowd, he also knew that a new chapter in his rather eventful life, yet also his greatest challenge lay in the days ahead.

SPORT FOR PEACE

From To the End of the Rainbow by craig lock

http://www.amazon.com/To-End-Rainbow-ebook/dp/B004YTPE9A

“If a man is called to be a street-sweeper,

he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted,

or Beethoven composed music, or

Shakespeare wrote poetry.

He should sweep streets so well

that all the hosts of heaven and earth will pause to say,

here lived a great street sweeper

who did his job well.”

– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

Tags: books by craig lockMonaco Grand PriMonaco Grand Prix,Sport for PeaceTo the End of the Rainbow

“Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.”

craig  Nov 2011

From THE CHEQUERED FLAG: THE (MY) GREATEST RACE [Kindle Edition]

http://www.amazon.com/THE-CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:

http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

http://www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/craigs-books +http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

RAINBow1

THE PROPHET (from ‘A New Dawn of Endless Possibilities’)

New Year

THE PROPHET (from ‘A New Dawn of Endless Possibilities’)

by craig

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Picture: Magnificent dawn on beautiful and deserted Midway beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I dailyget my dose (“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration

Submitter’s Note:

The following is a short extract from a new work by Craig Lock ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Great Horizons’ (which he’s presently writing): a true story based on the words of one the characters in the story, his “actual” friend L, “the prayer-warrior and The Prophet’.

THE NEW PROPHET (from ‘A New Dawn of Endless Possibilities’)

These are the words of the Prophet.. that he wrote upon the stone at Mount Hikurangi on the isolated East Coast of the North Island of New Zealand (or “Godzone” as it is sometimes called)…

The Prophet made a pilgrimage up the coast from his home town, Gisborne, the First City in the World to see the New Day Sun to the imposing mountain. And Mount Hikurangi was a place of great spiritual significance to the indigenous Maori people, the Ngati Porou natives of the area.

And on his tablet, his notebook, The Prophet wrote these words…

“The deepest yearning of the human heart is to know God , And the Christian faith is not merely a collection of dogma, a series of “do’s and don’ts”; but a LIVING FAITH that TRANSFORMS people’s lives, as they meet a risen Saviour in Jesus Christ. And God’s spirit is LOVE!

Don’t limit God. We all have a spirit, but it can be added to, enhanced (without your own unique spirit being replaced). Summon a NEW SPIRIT. The spirit that made the world, the divine spark is within YOU; but it has to be activated through faith.

‘Faith sees the invisible, follows the unfathomable… and achieves the impossible.’

Each one of us is ‘hard-wired’ by God to find meaning and purpose in our lives. The Lord gave me a task for my life…. And God will never tell us to do something that is impossible to do. The Prophet had a ‘divinely inspired’ sense of purpose for his life: preparing the way for the much-prophesised impending return of Jesus Christ on earth. This strong ‘mission’ daily clarified his sense of focus.  to SERVE others in his life and to seek the highest good for the greatest number of people.

However, the Lord says that we must remain humble. We are all just ‘ordinary’ (what’s that?) … yet God gives us ‘special assignments’. God does not need to receive, but human beings need to GIVE. And God, Divine Source, will not give to us what will not flow through us, a ‘generosity of spirit’.

Get yourself right with Jesus, man. His followers speak for Him today, so that each one of us are His eyes, hands and voice.

Get your next ‘fix’ from Jesus. It cost’s you nothing, yet it cost Christ His life!

YOU can become your ministry. A powerful vision, mixed with belief gives me the commitment to continue down this path I’ve chosen for my life.

I’ve been through great hardship in my life; yet it has brought me much closer to God… if you let Him. He will give you a strong, resilient spirit.

‘If you can conceive it on the inside, God can bring it to pass on the outside.’

‘Faith without engagement in the socio-political world is faith without works.’

No-one in history has had insight into the human mind and personality like Jesus Christ. Christianity is different to other religions in that God reaches out to us through the infinite power of Christ… and this ‘spark in the soul’ can hugely change lives for the better… and even lead to snow-capped peaks of human achievement.

Through Christ, after my mistakes and “mess ups”, I can now truly love myself… at long last. Accepting myself as “A Prophet” to herald in a New Age. The imminent return of Christ as God for a New Age. I have found my passion… to love and serve God (and my neighbour) with all my heart and soul … and of course to love myself… as God has always loved me in a bright new tomorrow. ”

With those words the great Prophet paused and put down his pen. Looking up at the high mountain rising above him. Taking a sip of cool water from the bubbling stream beside him, this humble servant thanked the Good Lord for the day, totally surrendering his rather eventful life to the Great Designer of the Universe.

The vision was so clear… and as the Great Book says, “without a vision the people perish”.

*

Refreshed, after a few minutes the Prophet picked up his pen and resumed writing…. and these were his words in his black diary.

“‘Pursue excellence. Should you stumble. Let it be on a lofty mountain.’

As Mother Teresa said: ‘Do something beautiful for God’. Through you, Jesus, I have entered into a new, a higher form of existence, with a new wealth of spirit. Christ, you are the beacon for my life, the ‘anchor of my faith’…, guiding me each step along the amazing journey of life.

As said Father, ‘My Grace is sufficient for you’.

The Highest goal of my life, the deepest yearning of my heart is knowing You, God. Lord, increase my faith and make me, my ‘little’ life a channel for your peace, your love and infinite Grace to flow through to everyone I meet. I’m ready to receive Your Infinite favour.”

“I have fought the good fight. I have finished the race, I have kept the faith. Now there is in store for me the crown of righteousness, which the Lord, the righteous Judge will award to me on that day.” – 2 Timothy 4:7

And with those words the Prophet ended the prayer that he wrote in his sacred diary, the one he had specially bought for his trip to Mount Hikurangi. He know that the Lord would speak to him there… and the words were so so clear, a ‘still voice within’ on that early morning on the last day of March in the year 2008. Totally content, filled with joy and with heart at total peace, the New Prophet slowly put down his pen and looked up at the sacred great mountain. Glistening white snow covered the peak of Mount Hikurangi, shining ever so brightly in the brilliant sunshine .

*

“People don’t decide to be extraordinary. They decide to accomplish extraordinary things.” – Sir Edmund Hilary (New Zealand conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

mountain (high)

A NEW HEART

A NEW HEART

Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE. A never-ending” story!

“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”

“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”

“Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”

craig (20th Dec 2011)

Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.

“There are better ways than war to resolve conflict.”

A bright new Makorori (Gisborne NZ) dawn

A NEW HEART

Stories of hope, renewal, transformation, the redemptive power of LOVE and ultimately the pursuit of PEACE.  A never-ending” story!

“We can learn far more from our tears than from our laughter”

“This too shall pass and things WILL get better”

Peace: This does not mean that we are immune from life’s daily struggles, trials and tribulations (and also the tragedies and wars occurring around the globe. It’s a choice of living amidst the disappointments, the daily “ups and downs”, yet having a calmness in our hearts and truly being at peace …with ourselves and the world.”

craig (20th Dec 2011)

Themes of justice, hope, love and peace.

“There are better ways than war to resolve conflict.”

The great power of LOVE to effect transformation…in people’s  lives, in countries…everywhere.

The characters (and readers) can/will choose different stories, different paths…and we’ll see where it all leads (and test my creative imagination)…_________________________

Footprints: Also Known As “I Had a Dream”

One night I dreamed a dream.
I was walking along the beach with my Lord. Across the dark sky flashed scenes from my life. For each scene, I noticed two sets of footprints in the sand, one belonging to me and one to my Lord.

When the last scene of my life shot before me I looked back at the footprints in the sand. There was only one set of footprints. I realized that this was at the lowest and saddest times of my life. This always bothered me and I questioned the Lord about my dilemma.

“Lord, You told me when I decided to follow You, You would walk and talk with me all the way. But I’m aware that during the most troublesome times of my life there is only one set of footprints. I just don’t understand why, when I need You most, You leave me.”

He whispered, “My precious child, I love you and will never leave you, never, ever, during your trials and testings. When you saw only one set of footprints, It was then that I carried you.”

Margaret Fishback Powers, 1964 *************

“The Journey’ entails a man or woman confronted with reversals, difficulties or tragedy, but who through courage and perseverance confronts each of these in turn and overcomes them.

At each step the hero ascends to a higher level of wisdom or maturity, until by the completion of the journey, she or he has reached some state of equilibrium, an accommodation with life, a sense of serenity or acceptance.  Or NOT!”
– fine words on writing by John Cranna (Founder of the Creative Hub* and AUT Centre for Modern Writing)  * Web site: http://www.thecreativehub.net.nz/page/tutors_and_workshop_leaders.html

and like John, Craig too loves to write about similar uplifting, empowering and inspiring themes in his various books. He has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired. He loves to try to “test his writing limits and imagination “and is currently writing ‘To The End of the Rainbow(New)’.

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

“Lord, make me an instrument of your peace; where there is hatred, let me sow love; where there is injury, pardon; where there is doubt, faith; where there is despair, hope; where there is darkness, light… and where there is sadness, joy. I shall pass through this world but once. Any good therefore that I can do, or any kindness that I can show to any human being, let me do it now. Let me not defer nor neglect it, for I shall not pass this way again.”

– St Francis of Assisi (thanks, dearest mom for sharing those inspirational words with me)

Together, one mind, one heart at a time, let’s walk (or march) bravely into a bright new tomorrow

***************************************

Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE and LOVE (from ‘It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn’)

WALLS
“Man is a great wall builder
The Berlin Wall
The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem
But the wall most impregnable
Has a moat
flowing with fright
around his heart
A wall without windows for the spirit to breeze through
without a door for love to walk in.”
– OSWALD MTSHALI, Soweto (South African) poet
from ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ by Rian Malan (published by Vintage 1990)
*
“The most noble aspects of the human spirit – unquenchable in its search for freedom and justice.”
– great writing by Rian Malan in his compelling book ‘My Traitor’s Heart’

Neil and Creina Alcock were pioneers in the country that South Africa would one day become. Their lives, together with a few other “true patriots heralded a new dawn) … for the country, the “dark continent”… and perhaps even for the world.
Here was a light behind the despair, beyond the darkness. At first a flicker of an ember, just a tiny pin-prick of dawning possibilities. Then burning slowly, brightly and bigger, a glimmer, a candle in the blackness of despair, which gave off just enough of a glow (luminescence?) to light a path. And so show the rest of us the way ahead… a path to endless possibilities…from the darkness into the eternal light.”
as adapted (slightly) from Rian Malan’s powerful words in ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ (pg 413)
*
LOVE
“Without trust, there is no hope for love and love is all we ever have to hold against the dark.”
– Creina Alcock
 
“When love endures, hope inevitably follows

When hope endures, dreams persist… and will never die”

Article Title: Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE and LOVE (from ‘It’s Always Darkest Before The Dawn)

Shared by: Craig Lock C

ategory (key words): New books, Novel, Hope, Quotations, Love, Thoughts, “Inspiration, Spiritual”, Inspirational Writings.

Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration

Publishing Guidelines: This piece (as with all my articles) may be freely reproduced, electronically or in print. If they help at all, or make any difference in people’s lives by bringing some joy, then I’m very happy.

Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE and LOVE

Submitter’s Note These are some of the notes (in point form) from thoughts and quotations that I’ve written down and collected over the years, which may be of interest and get you “tinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”.

I have included them in the Appendix to the new novel I’m currently writing It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn”, which is already available* at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNW

(publishing BEFORE it is completed and “write as you go”

Hope that these thoughts may be helpful and perhaps even inspirational to you . * THE DAWN OF HOPE “He who does not hope to win has already lost.” – Jose Olmedo

“In the depth of the valleys there is hope. In the deserts of despair, there is the refreshing oasis of the human spirit…always.” – craig

Esperanzo = hope (in Spanish)

SOUTH AFRICA

“Either we stayed as we were, trapped inside our fortress of paranoia, deformed by fear and greed, or we opened the door to Africa… and set forth into the unknown.” The country survives because of the strength and optimism of its people. From out of the epic injustice of apartheid towards the tortuous tiny first steps of a “negotiated revolution”, ultimately arose an epic reconciliation.

WALLS “Man is a great wall builder The Berlin Wall The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem But the wall most impregnable Has a moat flowing with fright around his heart A wall without windows for the spirit to breeze through without a door for love to walk in.” – OSWALD MTSHALI, Soweto (South African) poet from ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ by Rian Malan (published by Vintage 1990) * “The most noble aspects of the human spirit – unquenchable in its search for freedom and justice.” – great writing by Rian Malan in his compelling book ‘My Traitor’s Heart’

Neil and Creina Alcock were pioneers in the country that South Africa would one day become. Their lives, together with a few other “true patriots heralded a new dawn) … for the country, the “dark continent”… and perhaps even for the world. Here was a light behind the despair, beyond the darkness. At first a flicker of an ember, just a tiny pin-prick of dawning possibilities. Then burning slowly, brightly and bigger, a glimmer, a candle in the blackness of despair, which gave off just enough of a glow (luminescence?) to light a path. And so show the rest of us the way ahead… a path to endless possibilities…from the darkness into the eternal light.” as adapted (slightly) from Rian Malan’s powerful words in ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ (pg 413) * LOVE “Without trust, there is no hope for love and love is all we ever have to hold against the dark.” – Creina Alcock   “When love endures, hope inevitably follows

When hope endures, dreams persist… and will never die”

Shared by ‘”a champion of hope”

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” — Robert F. Kennedy

About the submitter: In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through “planting, then sowing ideas as ‘seeds of hope’”. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us. Craig is currently writing his novel, Stirling, a rewarding tale of faith, hope and especially love “Fiction, Faction”, or perhaps even a true story (or stories)!!!!

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘Stirling’) are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmlhttp://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglockhttp://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html#craig and www.lulu.com/craiglock

Craig’s new novel that he’s currently writing It’s Always Darkest Before the Dawn”

is already available* at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B007IX0MNW

*at least what he’s written to date. Watch a novel “unfold” (develop)

Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” – Chinese proverb

“Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better

“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage … and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS “You can cut down the flower, but nothing can stop the coming of the spring.”

Heed those words, President Bashir Assad of Syria!!

“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in. Aim at earth and you’ll hit neither”

– CS Lewis

“Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”

– craig

 

 

to the music of

 

JENNIFER RUSH – ‘THE POWER OF LOVE’ 1984

 

Click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Lr0xJBsVbZY

 

“totally unmusical craig

 

Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE (an extract from the new novel ‘Stirling’ )

These are some of the notes (in point form) from thoughts and quotations that I’ve written down and collected over the years, which may be of interest and get you “tinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”. These thoughts will form an extract from a chapter of a novel I’m currently writing, called ‘Stirling’. Hope that these thoughts may be helpful and perhaps even inspirational to you… so am sharing. Enjoy…

THE CAPACITY FOR HOPE

Underneath almost crushing weights, there is always hope, even if its only a glimmer. It may be only a tiny spark, but it exists… and it’s the flicker that keeps people going.

This tale is one of resilience. The story is a celebration – albeit a bleak one – of the human spirit’s powers of perseverance.

So HOPE is the writers only and last-remaining chance.

“The characters seem to represent the virtues, and the resilience of the little people, the spirit of battling on, no matter what your circumstances are and ultimately finding your way.”

This work is a celebration of the tenacity of the human spirit.

And it’s not just in some of us…it’s in ALL of us!

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

– Sir Edmund Hillary, conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in.”

– CS Lewis

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”
— Robert F. Kennedy

“From the depth of the valleys, in the deserts of despair, there is hope… as there is the unquenchable oasis, the immense breadth and depth of the human spirit… always.”

“When (or is it perhaps if??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings of the chariot that carried you there.”

-craig (as adapted from the words of Jonathan Edwards, a former minister in Massachusetts (New England)

 

Article Title: Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE (an extract from the new novel ‘Stirling’ )

Category (key words): Hope, New books, Stirling, Quotations, Inspirational Quotes, Thoughts, “Inspiration, Spiritual”, Inspirational Writings.

Web site: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/Stirling-ebook/dp/B004YTT4GO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines:

These writings (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

If these writings help at all, or make any difference in people’s lives by bringing some joy, then I’m very happy. Enjoy…

*

Sharing a few Quotations/Thoughts on HOPE (from the new novel ‘Stirling’ )

Submitter’s Note

These are some of the notes (in point form) from thoughts and quotations that I’ve written down and collected over the years, which may be of interest and get you “tinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”. These thoughts will form an extract from a chapter of a novel I’m currently writing, called ‘Stirling’. Hope that these thoughts may be helpful and perhaps even inspirational to you… so am sharing. Enjoy…

THE CAPACITY FOR HOPE

Underneath almost crushing weights, there is always hope, even if its only a glimmer. It may be only a tiny spark, but it exists… and it’s the flicker that keeps people going.

This tale is one of resilience. The story is a celebration – albeit a bleak one – of the human spirit’s powers of perseverance.

So HOPE is the writers only and last-remaining chance.

“The characters seem to represent the virtues, and the resilience of the little people, the spirit of battling on, no matter what your circumstances are and ultimately finding your way.”

This work is a celebration of the tenacity of the human spirit.

And it’s not just in some of us…it’s in ALL of us!

“It’s not the mountain we conquer, but ourselves.”

– Sir Edmund Hillary, conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

“Aim at heaven and you’ll have earth thrown in.”

– CS Lewis

*

THE DAWN OF HOPE

Esperanzo = hope (in Spanish)

“He who does not hope to win has already lost.”

– Jose Olmedo

“Where there’s care, there’s hope.”

“Hope is the anchor of the soul.”

“A beacon of hope in a sea (or ocean) of despair”

“The spring of hope is universal, eternal and will never run dry.” – craig

“In the depth of the valleys there is hope. In the deserts of despair, there is the refreshing oasis of the human spirit…always.”

– craig

“Either we stayed as we we were, trapped inside our fortress of paranoia, deformed by fear and greed, or we opened the door to Africa… and set forth into the unknown.”

The country survives because of the strength and optimism of its people.

“The most noble aspects of the human spirit – unquenchable in its search for freedom and justice.”

– great writing by Rian Malan in his compelling book ‘My Traitor’s Heart’

The lives of Neil and Creina Alcock and a few other “true patriots heralded a new dawn) …

Here was a light behind the despair, beyond the darkness. At first a flicker of an ember, just a tiny pin-prick of dawning possibilities. Then burning slowly, brightly and bigger, a glimmer, a candle in the blackness of despair, which gave off just enough of a glow (luminescence?) to light a path. And so show the rest of us the way ahead… a path to endless possibilities…from the darkness into the eternal light.”

as adapted (slightly) from Rian Malan’s powerful words in ‘My Traitor’s Heart‘ (pg 413)

“When people’s hearts are full of love, the world is filled with hope.”

– craig

*

LOVE

“Without trust, there is no hope for love and love is all we ever have to hold against the dark.”

– Creina Alcock

* *

LOOKING TO BUILD HOPE IN A TROUBLED COUNTRY.

“Like a modern Gandhi, she (Aung San Suu Kyi) lives those timeless and universal notions which have always appealed to humans – freedom, sacrifice, endurance, peace, courage, forgiveness, and most of all, hope, when there is little reason for it.”

Fine writing by Simon Scott in his article LOOKING TO BUILD HOPE IN A TROUBLED COUNTRY.

Pro-democracy leader Aung San Suu Kyi talks to the Herald about the future of Burma, her family and why Kiwis can make a difference.

What I see for 2011 is the need to try to make the people understand that we have the capacity to bring about change. What I want most of all is to empower the people and make them understand ‘we are the ones who can bring about change in this country’.”

as published in the NZ Herald, Jan 17 2011.

Shared by a “champion of hope”

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time (with God’s help), let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time (and with God’s help), let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world…for the better”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PS

I came across this great, empowering and uplifting writing yesterday, so am sharing… enjoy

My South African Dream

Posted on June 29, 2011 by franshsteyn

This blog is plain and simple, the South African dream I have of a healed nation. It probably is still a far way off, but we are already working towards this ultimate goal. I don’t care if it is a bit naïve, but I would like to think that the people of today can grow the tolerance and compassion needed for future generations to prosper in mutual respect.

My South African Dream

The answer would be incomplete

Without the question posed

The problem of our Land today:

The lack of sober ways.

What would be the chessboard

Without the black and white?

How would pianos sing and bring

To us their sheer delight?

How bitter would the coffee be

Without its white counterpart

How empty would our flag be

Without its coloured parts

How would the youth read

Without the ink on paper?

How would the people learn

And our rights to us be catered?

How would the road be guide

Without their stripes and tar?

How would the world perceive us

Be we just one colour from afar?

We need one another,

As question does the answer,

We need the black, we need the white,

To dance and live in sheer delight

June 2011 – Francois Hermanus Steyn

http://francoishsteyn.wordpress.com/2011/06/29/my-south-african-dream/

About the submitter: In his various writings Craig strives in some small way to break down social, cultural, religious and economic barriers through “planting, then sowing ideas as ‘seeds of hope'”. He believes that whilst we should celebrate our differences, what we share is way more important than what divides us.

Craig’s novels on South Africa that he “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html  and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock (e-books) and

Craig’s novel, STIRLING, a “rewarding tale of faith, hope and especially love” is available at http://www.amazon.com/Stirling-ebook/dp/B004YTT4GO/ref=ntt_at_ep_dpi_1

“Faction”, but perhaps even a true story!!!!

Craig’s blog (with extracts from his various writings, including from ‘Stirling’: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.comhttp://craigsbooks.wordpress.com/

and http://newbooksbycraiglock.wordpress.com/

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“A book is small enough to hold in your hand; but when you read it, the walls fall away and you’re in a room as big as the world.”

“A book is like a garden carried in the pocket.” – Chinese proverb

“A good book should take you from your everyday life to another place entirely.”

“Few will have the greatness to bend history itself, but each of us can work to change a small portion of events. It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring those ripples build a current which can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.” — Robert F. Kennedy

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

 

PPS

“From the depth of the valleys, in the deserts of despair, there is hope… as there is the unquenchable oasis, the immense breadth and depth of the human spirit… always.”

“When (or is it perhaps if??) you arrive in a place (or rather state ) known as heaven, let faith, hope and love be the wings of the chariot that carried you there.”

-craig (as adapted from the words of Jonathan Edwards, a former minister in Massachusetts (New England)

 

Long Walk to Freedom, Long Road to Peace

Christ chose US, the ‘little ordinary people’ to go out and change the world… for the better. He doesn’t have a Plan B. It’s up to us to implement His plan A, being the ears, eyes and hands of Christ to help heal a hurting world… today.

As ambassadors for Christ, we are instruments of peace.

Let Your spirit shine through these words. Embrace the light.

“Lord, make me a channel for your peace, a window for your light to shine through to everyone I meet.”

“My life is my message.”
– Gandhi (who took the message of Christ to the Indian people – his strategy:non-violent resistance)

“As the Father sent me, I also sent you.”
– John 20:27

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s march together towards a better future…a far brighter tomorrow”

When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”
– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts

“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”

– craig

Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.

craig 11/11/11

May you all see God’s bright light on the road up ahead

Article Title: Long Walk to Freedom, Long Road to Peace

Submitted by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Freedom, democracy, peace, the “race of life”, books, new books.

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/ and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981 (Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig)

Publishing Guidelines: We hope that the following piece (which follows on from Part One) may be informative and helpful to your e-zine readers, or on your web site. This article (in point form) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the pathway to success, then we’re very happy.

“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”

*

LONG WALK TO FREEDOM, LONG ROAD TO PEACE

MY GREATEST RACE

Dedicated to the striving for and recognition of peace (and pursuit of peace) … or at least a better and more peaceful world.

*

Here are some extracts from the manuscript craig is currently “writing”…

MY GREATEST RACE: THE “RACE OF LIFE”

Submitter’s Note: These are some notes (some from authors unknown) that I’ve jotted down over the years, that I’ll share with you. Enjoy…

The principles you live by create the world you live in.

A Creed (to live by):

* Treat ALL people with respect * be responsible and accountable (for our actions) * Do your best * Never give up * Don’t take life too seriously * Be aware : Every problem has a spiritual solution.

I write to impel some kind of ACTION in readers. I try to show the extra-ordinary in ‘ordinary’ (what’s that?) lives, as revealed by strength of character, the courage and especially the immense generosity of spirit of so many ordinary people, as they struggle with what is called the journey of life. I want to write true stories *, inspiring a thread (or threads) of hope and especially the power of LOVE (no ‘Mills and Boon type stories, now please, craig). Stories of renewal and transformation, a new heart… “From Seeds Of Hope (planting) to Endless Possibilities, Far and New Horizons“.

* Also themes of justice, hope, peace and especially love.

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world… for the better.”

“Our goal in life is to create the perfect conditions for the full flowering of our essential self?? “ Knowing that you have made a difference will keep you strong. Each one of us can choose to do the highest good for the greatest number of people. Sow plentiful seeds to break down barriers…one mind, one heart, one soul, one life at a time. Know where you WANT to be. Many small (yet significant) steps by many ‘ordinary’ (what’s that?) will eventual reach their destination. Let Your spirit shine through these words Embrace the light.

“To all who believe in love Let your light shine” – anon

“Let us run with endurance the race that is set before us.” – Hebrews 12.1

” I press towards the goal of the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians 3:14

Shared by craig,

who is currently “working on” and writing a true story ‘Long Walk (Road) to Peace

Craig’s new blog with thoughts and extracts from various writings is at http://craigsblogs.wordpress. and http://craiglock.wordpress.com

* *

SHARING A FEW THOUGHTS ON “WORKING TOWARDS A MORE PEACEFUL WORLD (from my notes)

The Road (Way) to Peace:

Overcome evil with good, falsehood with truth and hatred with love.

When we can talk together, we will realise that our likenesses are so much greater than our differences; however great our differences may seem.

Peace begins WITHIN

“Peace doesn’t mean the absence of conflict, but involves reaching across our differences to find a way to resolve conflict. And there are so many ways to do that now – whether you’re talking about conflict with your neighbours, within families, or internationally.” – the words of Alyn Ware, New Zealand peace campaigner

Jesus related to all societies and people – the common fabric of humanity. He was “a voice for the voiceless”. The life-changing power of Jesus.

He had a passion for peace, mutual tolerance interaction between different faiths and respect for all.

God needs human beings in partnership to help peace become a reality for others. We are then choosing hope over fear, unity over division.

“One’s inseparable relationship with God leads to true security, health, joy… and especially peace of mind.”

“Those whom you want to change, you must first love.” – Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr

Reconcilation:

This must not simply be a ‘feel-good’ concept; but can be implemented in many practical ways and will only be achieved by a process of social and economic transformation. As in South Africa, only this will eradicate disparities between groups and ensure an on-going process, the long journey of reconciliation between diverse cultures and peoples.

New Zealand could and should be much bolder in promoting peace, human rights and social justice.

“The only solution will come about when all religious adherants of all flavours awake to an expanded explanation (or rather “experience”) of the reality in which we all exist.” – RT Clarke, Titirangi, Auckland, New Zealand (writing in the New Zealand Herald)

“Though small and geographically isolated, New Zealand is one of the first countries to see the light of the new day… and perhaps this light helps (and has helped) NZ to lead and inspire the world on many diverse issues.”

Shared by craig, who is currently “working on” and writing a true story ‘Long Walk (Road) to Peace’
Let Your spirit shine through these words. Embrace the light.
About the author:
Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being. www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘Long Walk (Road) to Peace’’) are available at : http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children – MINE!

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://peacepursuit.wordpress.com/http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/ and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower, uplift and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials. Change YOUR world and you help change THE world… for the better.”

PPS (A long one!)

Christ chose US, the ‘little ordinary people’ to go out and change the world… for the better. He doesn’t have a Plan B. It’s up to us to implement His plan A, being the ears, eyes and hands of Christ to help heal a hurting world… today.

As ambassadors for Christ, we are instruments of peace.

Let Your spirit shine through these words. Embrace the light.

“Lord, make me a channel for your peace, a window for your light to shine through to everyone I meet.”

“My life is my message.” – Gandhi (who took the message of Christ to the Indian people – his strategy:non-violent resistance)

“As the Father sent me, I also sent you.” – John 20:27

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called children of God.” (Matthew 5:9)

When (or if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith and love be the wings that carried you there.” – as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts

“The Greatest Race: Living by (with) faith, hope and love is the highest podium any person can reach, God’s podium that anyone stand on.”

– craig

Having pursued the goals, the dreams set before us and run the race with persistence and endurance, after giving it all. Then one day standing on the summit of life, breathing in the pure sweet oxygen of achievement, totally satisfied in running the greatest race, the race of life one that ANYONE can run and win.

craig 11/11/11

“Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s march together towards a better future…a far brighter tomorrow”

May you all see God’s bright light on the road up ahead

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