“Say ‘YES’ to your Potential” (a Self Help Book by Skip Ross): A SUMMARY
Tag: motivation
How to Make Your Wildest Dreams Come True – Fifteen Principles to Realise Them
Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books”)
How To Find And Live Your Dreams (by Dr Bruce Wilkinson)
How to Find and Live your Dreams
“I’d rather attempt something great and fail…
than try nothing and succeed.”
– inspiring words from Norman Vincent Peale
(US preacher and author)
Author’s Note:
This article was largely based upon a most inspiring adress by Dr Bruce Wilkinson as aired on the TV program, The Hour of Power in New Zealand on TV3 many years ago. Though it is quite “religious” (and no matter what the concept of God, or a Higher Power/ Supreme Being means to you), I have personalised some of the information and applied the principles to my own life (with a dash of humour), as in this piece.
The Rev Robert Schuller has been a great inspiration and “mentor” to me in following my personal dream for many years and I’m sharing this piece with the hope and in the spirit of inspiring other people to follow their personal dreams. That is my ‘mission’ and dream!
craig
April 2003
*
What would you do with your life, if you KNEW that you COULD NOT FAIL?
What dream did you carry in your heart when you were a child?
Perhaps it was to be a fireman, a nurse, a policeman, an actor, a footballer, racing driver, a musician or perhaps even a writer (“oh no”!)… but definitely NOT an “insurance man”!
What is your soul telling you to aim for in your life TODAY?
I believe that many dreams (big or small) start in prayer – in close communion with the Source of Life, the One who knows us best, our Creator, God, the Infinite Spirit of the Universe.
HOW does this happen?
With FAITH and “possibility thinking”. And “heaps” of prayer. Prayer changes our thoughts into another, a higher (loftier) DIMENSION – the SPIRITUAL. It’s a change of CONSCIOUSNESS Another analogy may be like this: Just as we live, work and play in the “real world”, we can also operate a business or touch lives in another realm, the “world of cyberspace”, as I’m hopefully doing in sharing this article). In moments of meditation and prayer (spiritual awareness) our Higher Self connects with the divine, a Force/Being/Spirit far Greater than ourselves – our spirit connects with Infinite (Divine) Spirit; so that we draw on an Higher Power with unlimited potential… the power of God, the Essence of Life, or as Napoleon Hill termed ‘Infinite Intelligence’.
And God, Infinite Spirit, a Deity, the Ground of all Being, I believe, communicates through the conduit (medium or channel) of our subconscious minds. My “very analytical scientific” friend, Andy (a micro-biologist) calls it the ” ‘God-gate’ to Infinite Intelligence, the Great Designer”. We then just have to use our tools of BELIEF (faith) and ask the right questions. EXPECT an answer to our questions, a solution to our life problems (even many big ones, like mine!). TRUST the process, then leave to ‘Invisible Intelligence, Infinite Spirit to work things out for you – the best way possible to move forward. Just relax and allow the Universe’s Infinite Wisdom to send you the right answers: the Almighty , the Grand Designer of Life WILL.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
Article Title: How To Find And Live Your Dreams (by Dr Bruce Wilkinson)
Shared by Craig Lock
Category: Dreams,Inspiration, Dr Bruce Wilkinson, Hour of Power, Motivation, Empowerment, Words of empowerment and inspiration
Web Site: http://www.brucewilkinson.com/
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://www.anewdawnbook.wordpress.com
http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
http://www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 andhttp://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:
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published (with acknowledgment to Dr Bruce Wilkinson and Hour of Power, please)..
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
How to Find and Live your Dreams
“I’d rather attempt something great and fail…
than try nothing and succeed.”
– inspiring words from Norman Vincent Peale
(US preacher and author)
Author’s Note:
This article was largely based upon a most inspiring adress by Dr Bruce Wilkinson as aired on the TV program, The Hour of Power in New Zealand on TV3 many years ago. Though it is quite “religious” (and no matter what the concept of God, or a Higher Power/ Supreme Being means to you), I have personalised some of the information and applied the principles to my own life (with a dash of humour), as in this piece.
The Rev Robert Schuller has been a great inspiration and “mentor” to me in following my personal dream for many years and I’m sharing this piece with the hope and in the spirit of inspiring other people to follow their personal dreams. That is my ‘mission’ and dream!
craig
April 2003
*
What would you do with your life, if you KNEW that you COULD NOT FAIL?
What dream did you carry in your heart when you were a child?
Perhaps it was to be a fireman, a nurse, a policeman, an actor, a footballer, racing driver, a musician or perhaps even a writer (“oh no”!)… but definitely NOT an “insurance man”!
What is your soul telling you to aim for in your life TODAY?
I believe that many dreams (big or small) start in prayer – in close communion with the Source of Life, the One who knows us best, our Creator, God, the Infinite Spirit of the Universe.
HOW does this happen?
With FAITH and “possibility thinking”. And “heaps” of prayer. Prayer changes our thoughts into another, a higher (loftier) DIMENSION – the SPIRITUAL. It’s a change of CONSCIOUSNESS Another analogy may be like this: Just as we live, work and play in the “real world”, we can also operate a business or touch lives in another realm, the “world of cyberspace”, as I’m hopefully doing in sharing this article). In moments of meditation and prayer (spiritual awareness) our Higher Self connects with the divine, a Force/Being/Spirit far Greater than ourselves – our spirit connects with Infinite (Divine) Spirit; so that we draw on an Higher Power with unlimited potential… the power of God, the Essence of Life, or as Napoleon Hill termed ‘Infinite Intelligence’.
And God, Infinite Spirit, a Deity, the Ground of all Being, I believe, communicates through the conduit (medium or channel) of our subconscious minds. My “very analytical scientific” friend, Andy (a micro-biologist) calls it the ” ‘God-gate’ to Infinite Intelligence, the Great Designer”. We then just have to use our tools of BELIEF (faith) and ask the right questions. EXPECT an answer to our questions, a solution to our life problems (even many big ones, like mine!). TRUST the process, then leave to ‘Invisible Intelligence, Infinite Spirit to work things out for you – the best way possible to move forward. Just relax and allow the Universe’s Infinite Wisdom to send you the right answers: the Almighty , the Grand Designer of Life WILL.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
*
Here are some good points made by Dr Wilkinson…
* I truly believe that God, the Great Dream Giver, the Ultimate Source, the Ground of our very Being also has a dream for every life and especially YOUR life.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Before you were born, I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
and the big dreamers are the ones who’ll change the world…
so making it a better place for ALL.
* The secret of the dream: you never know how you’re going to do it before you COMMIT to doing it.
* When God gives you a dream in your heart, it is always too big for you to do…ALONE. So you need a “Partner”. A “Co-creator”. It seems overwhelming at first – impossible, way out of your reach; yet somehow it gets achieved. No, not achieved…but surpassed.
“The dreams of great dreamers are never achieved; but with God’s help are always transcended – into true miracles…beyond one’s wildest dreams.”
* Your dream is at the centre of who you really are: It’s the ‘essence’ of who you are as a person – the core of your very BEING. The dream of God is the reason for the way you are – it drives you and gives a sense of meaning and purpose to your life: to follow your unique destiny.
* The dream is always outside your comfort zone. (I thought mine was impossible (and “crazy”), from where I was (“never in a million years”). However, even our “big-little” dreams fit perfectly into God’s bigger plan, His Grand Dream for the Universe. So make your dreams big enough for God to fit in.
“Lord, Reveal Your power and somehow fit my “little” dream, my ‘little’ life into Your grand plan for this world.”
* When you start out tentatively, don’t focus on the fear – focus on the dream. Then the dream becomes more important than the fear.
* Dreams happen when you accept the fact that the dream is your calling, something YOU simply HAVE to do to fulfil you. COMMIT fully to it. Say: “I don’t know HOW I’ll do it, but God will give me the way, if I just proceed and follow the dream. Just DEPEND on God, the Essence of Life to accomplish the “seemingly impossible”! Take that first step in FAITH; then watch what happens.
I have absolutely “zilch” idea where my journey is leading, but in “partnership with the Ultimate Source” guiding me each step of the way, it’s tremendously exciting, sliding down “the rapids”, er sorry, “waterfalls of life”.
It’s the will of God, our Creator, that we follow our personal dreams – fulfilling God’s dream is what we have been made to do, based on our skills, talents, gifts and aspirations. In short, our unique personas, who we are as ‘human beans’. It’s our unique calling in life: to do what we are DESTINED to do and it usually involves helping (serving) others, ie. meeting a human need to help others or make their lives easier or better in some way. I believe the key is making some contribution, however small we may think it is, to the betterment of humanity.
“All of us can become great, because we can all SERVE.”
– Martin Luther King (or was it Mother Teresa…or both??)
CHOOSE to follow your dream; because, if you don’t, do you realise how many people will be affected? Because a dream often lies in helping someone else’s dream, or helping them towards achieving it. It is God’s dream and consequently can never be selfish.
All dreams start in FAITH, but ones faith gets strengthened as you take one step after the next (one gets “led”). Faith really works and it get’s stronger by the day, when you look back and see how far you’ve come along the path.
Never give up on your unique calling, YOUR dream, Say, “I will UNTIL.” Finally , when you feel stuck in moving ahead with your dream…once you’ve done all you can, SURRENDER your dream to God, the “Ground of All Being, Truth, Goodness and Joy”.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
My dream in sharing this piece is hopefully helping others to fulfil their potentials, their individual dreams through encouragement (and perhaps upliftment). You can’t imagine the more you pursue the dream, the more God, the Grand Designer of Life, is going to use you in ways you never imagined possible. I am continually amazed at what we’re doing each day…from what started out as the seed of a vision twelve long years ago (when I had no idea how to turn on a computer!). Though many times facing innumerable obstacles and often feeling stuck, I simply surrendered my dream to God, the Universe. Then I’d get some insight or somehow the Universe, Essence of Life, Infinite Spirit would just move me ahead and open up a path for the vision. “Co-incidences?” This journey is a true ‘miracle’ in action, I believe, that so many people around the globe are involved and helping me greatly, as one person can’t do it alone. (Thanks so much, all of you for your many skills and gifts that I don’t have – you know who you are and also that I’m a total “non-techno wally”!). Once you embark on God’s dream for your life, watch the way the Universe brings people into your life to help you and to expand the vision (because you can’t do it alone). Also my faith is considerably strengthened each day, as I see the process DOES work…and one can see how far you’ve come from those tentative first steps. I’m greatly enjoying this most enjoyable and exciting journey, as I follow my personal dream(s).
craig April 2003
After that little personal interlude… to continue with Dr Wilkinson’s message in a few final words…
*
You’re never too old and you’re never too young to dream big dreams!
Will you go through life one day regretting that you DARED TO DREAM?
Will you too surrender to your personal (“impossible”) dream?
Absolutely NOTHING is impossible* (I can certainly vouch for that!).
“It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”
-anon
“It always seems impossible…
until it get’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and
receives the impossible.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
Always remember,
God’s dreams are far bigger than you could have imagined yourself.
Just TRUST God, the Essence of Life, the Ground of Our Being, Ultimate Source and enjoy the journey towards your dreams. Absolutely NOTHING is impossible. Just BELIEVE in your dream.
You CAN do ANYTHING with God’s help (just live in an attitude of dependence) and your individual journeys can be used to honour the infinite love of our Creator.
So how about doing something about following your passion and pursuing your dream TODAY?
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
LIVE the dream
“Life is about finding, then following the dream… and
one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
– craig 2003
“A man (OOPS, or woman) without a dream is destined never to fulfil his or her full potential in life. Never give up on your dream…
but take time to smell the flowers on your very individual journey.’ Be yourself and daily count your blessings;
then try to make a difference in the world – however small.
Try to shine your own little ray of sunshine to make the lives of others easier in some small way.
You can derive the greatest pleasure from treading the wildest uncertain path down the ‘river of life…
and just being you.”
“Our talents are our gifts from God…
but what we do with them are our gifts TO God.”
PPS: Thank you sincerely, Drs Wilkinson and Schuller for sharing your insights and wisdom in encouraging me down my ‘untrodden path’, as I follow my dreams; but most of all, for serving as a vessel to illuminate God’s unlimited love for all of us, His children.
LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world;
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
“When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.”
– craig
About the submitter:
In his life mission Craig hopes to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the magical journey of life
http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/ http://www.craiglockbooks.com and http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
http://www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
http://www.sharefaith.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com
http://www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
http://www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com
http://www.breakdownbarriers.wordpress.com
http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
http://www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com
http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“We have it all within, but we get from without, the Ultimate Source.”
– craig
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to Dr Schuller and Dr Bruce Wilkinson, please)
“What we learn in the darkness…
we are to share in the eternal light.”
Put Your Dream to the Test (by Dr John Maxwell)
PUT YOUR DREAM TO THE TEST AND HOW TO SURVIVE THE SURPRIZE by Dr John Maxwell
“It took me twenty long years of blood, sweat and floods of tears to become an overnight success.”
– an anymoose writer”
In his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of the bible-character, Joseph. And there are parallels that each one of us can learn from Joseph in following the path of our own dreams. A first lesson: Each great journey has a great price. The questions to ask yourself to make your wildest dreams come true:
1. Am I willing to pay the price for my dream? Don’t be limited by your thinking (eg fleas in a bottle learnt not to jump high). There is always a cost to reaching your dreams. Family and friends often react negatively to your dream. Always remember, along the journey, you will have more “downs” than “ups”.
2. Do I have enough passion? Does my passion impel me to keep the dream alive? Passion is the great energizer, which pushes us on, when all appears lost.
3. Always remember, God is with you in the tough times, the “dark ” days and hours in the valleys. Along the journey we become closely attached to God, our “closest companion” through our “ups and downs”… to guide, strengthen and comfort us. God is ALWAYS faithful “If God is with us, everybody else might as well be too!” – John Maxwell
* Attitude is a CHOICE The attitude I have today is a choice. It’s my responsibility… TODAY! Invest in others. Put others first. Help them achieve THEIR dreams. Add value to them (and their lives) There are four ways to do that:
1. Value people, first
2. Add value to what others value.
3. By making ourselves more valuable
4. By doing things God values – that have an eternal nature.
NB: Be forgiving – no matter what someone has done to you. Have a forgiving spirit.
*
Part Four: In his address (based on his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of Joseph. Joseph went from being a “believer” into a “buyer of the dream”, he really “bought into” his dream and “survived the surprise”. He fully trusted God (though “bad things can still happen to good people”).
Article Title: Put Your Dream to the Test by Dr John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books“)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category/Key words: Dreams, dream information, self help books, motivational and inspirational books, John Maxwell, success, success principles, achievement, self help, personal growth, motivation, inspiration, empowerment, life purpose (enough there for now, craig)
Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.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:
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
INTRODUCTION
Submitter’s Note:
Craig has been studying the amazing powers of the human mind for the past two decades (now his “life-long hobby”). These are some notes I took from an uplifting and inspiring address by Dr John Maxwell from the ‘Hour of Power’ television programme (he has written a new book), so (even if you are not “religiously-minded”) I am sharing the contents of this author’s work in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people to just GO FOR IT with all you’ve got. Nothing is impossible, if you earnestly desire it and work hard at achieving your dreams. Thank you sincerely, Dr Maxwell for sharing your most uplifting words of wisdom in encouraging me to follow my passion and reach for my personal dreams down the “un-trodden path of self fulfilment”. I in turn am passing them on through the amazing power of the ‘net’. Enjoy…
*
PUT YOUR DREAM TO THE TEST AND HOW TO SURVIVE THE SURPRIZE by Dr John Maxwell
“It took me twenty long years of blood, sweat and floods of tears to become an overnight success.”
– an anymoose writer”
In his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of the bible-character, Joseph. And there are parallels that each one of us can learn from Joseph in following the path of our own dreams. A first lesson: Each great journey has a great price. The questions to ask yourself to make your wildest dreams come true:
1. Am I willing to pay the price for my dream? Don’t be limited by your thinking (eg fleas in a bottle learnt not to jump high). There is always a cost to reaching your dreams. Family and friends often react negatively to your dream. Always remember, along the journey, you will have more “downs” than “ups”.
2. Do I have enough passion? Does my passion impel me to keep the dream alive? Passion is the great energizer, which pushes us on, when all appears lost.
3. Always remember, God is with you in the tough times, the “dark ” days and hours in the valleys. Along the journey we become closely attached to God, our “closest companion” through our “ups and downs”… to guide, strengthen and comfort us. God is ALWAYS faithful “If God is with us, everybody else might as well be too!” – John Maxwell
* Attitude is a CHOICE The attitude I have today is a choice. It’s my responsibility… TODAY! Invest in others. Put others first. Help them achieve THEIR dreams. Add value to them (and their lives) There are four ways to do that:
1. Value people, first
2. Add value to what others value.
3. By making ourselves more valuable
4. By doing things God values – that have an eternal nature.
NB: Be forgiving – no matter what someone has done to you. Have a forgiving spirit.
*
Part Four: In his address (based on his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of Joseph. Joseph went from being a “believer” into a “buyer of the dream”, he really “bought into” his dream and “survived the surprise”. He fully trusted God (though “bad things can still happen to good people”).
* *
NOW THAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED YOUR WILDEST DREAM(S)… WHAT NEXT?
Once we achieve, receive our dream, how to make the most of it? My dream is HERE. Often we can impact others more through sharing our failures more than our successes (a failure is just a person, who hasn’t succeeded …YET!). Now that you have achieved your dream…
* Be GENEROUS
* HELP others.. through adding value to them…. through your success (and what you’ve learnt along the way). Remember: ” God will not give to us, what will not flow through us” So share the benefits of your dream with others. Ask yourself: “Does my success, achieving my dream, benefit others in some way?” “Will other people be blessed with the God-given dream inside me?” .
*
SUMMARY:
1. Be GENEROUS
2 Be HUMBLE. “If the Lord makes you successful… one day, I’ll keep you humble.”
– a wife (I won’t say whose!)
Remember: “divine promotion is better than self promotion”) God raised me up. God helps those who can’t help themselves, when we are in over our heads and God makes the difference in achieving our dreams. Keeps us humble. CHOOSE to give God the glory, pass it on . Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:3)
3 Have an attitude TO WIN Say “I CAN…one sunny day!
4. Live with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Always remember… God has already equipped you with all that you need to achieve your goals and even your wildest dreams . It usually takes a long time for your dream to lift off (the bigger the dream, the longer it takes). So be PATIENT. Wait on your dream. Trials and tribulations bring patience. Dreams are conceived in the mind long before they are realised. Dreams are like a large aircraft, a Jumbo jet on the runway. It takes a lot of energy for them to lift off, but then you soar freely. You can, if you THINK you can. Just believe in your dream…and yourself!
5. Use the great power of the human imagination to the fullest.
“Whatever the mind can conceive, can be achieved”.
Do all this in following YOUR dream and you WILL soar high and allow you to be all God intended you to be and become. You CAN do it … and in doing so you’ll surprize yourself at what is “humanly” possible!
Makes your dreams BIG enough for God, the Ultimate Source to fit in!
BELIEVE it (first) …then SEE your dreams come true
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
“Believing is seeing”
“I believe that God creates us with different gifts; so that in life’s journey each one of us, experiences challenges, things that give us joy and using our gifts allow us to bless the world around us.”
“Look within and you will find and receive from Without.”
“We have it all within, but we get all from without, the Ultimate Source.” – craig
“You are as great as your thoughts, as big as your heart and as vast as your imagination.” – my good friend, Dr Andy Eastcott, Gisborne, New Zealand
“Life is about finding, then following the dream…
and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
from http://www.craiglockbooks.com
About the submitter:
and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
– me
from http://www.craiglockbooks.com
About the submitter:
Craig has been following his dream for many years. He likes (rather loves) to share knowledge and insights from his life experiences with dashes of humour to try and help others in ‘every little way’ he can… without being too much of a “Mr goody-goody boring two shoes” (although they may be different colours and he’s lost the other one) . Craig believes the spiritual dimension is something we can all “tap into”… like ‘a sixth sense’, which gives each person ‘superior wisdom’ (“Infinite Wisdom from the Ultimate Source”) in making decisions and choosing one’s path in life.
He loves encouraging people to find, then follow their dreams in life… truly believing that with hard work, dedication, faith, and patience absolutely ANYTHING is possible to achieve (accomplish) in life
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock&sort=relevance&ie=UTF8&qid and http://goo.gl/vTpjk
He is presently “working” on his latest novels ‘The Awakened Spirit’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’, based on some true and inspiring stories
of the unquenchable, the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us. Stories of ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Unlimited (Grand) Horizons’. These ebooks are already available at http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.comand http://craiglock.wordpress.com
“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”
“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, lets see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
PS: I love these words of inspiration, so am sharing. Enjoy…
“I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day
To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.
I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.
I wish you rainbows I wish you well.”
– Larry S. Chenges
PPS
Click on John Maxwell’s great Youtube videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcKbfmukP9U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGeV606QJ4o
Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books”)
Article Title: Put Your Dream to the Test by John Maxwell (from “Motivational and Inspirational Self Help Books“)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category/Key words: Dreams, dream information, self help books, motivational and inspirational books, John Maxwell, success, success principles, achievement, self help, personal growth, motivation, inspiration, empowerment, life purpose (enough there for now, craig)
Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.sharefaith.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:
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
INTRODUCTION
Submitter’s Note:
Craig has been studying the amazing powers of the human mind for the past two decades (now his “life-long hobby”). These are some notes I took from an uplifting and inspiring address by Dr John Maxwell from the ‘Hour of Power’ television programme (he has written a new book), so (even if you are not “religiously-minded”) I am sharing the contents of this author’s work in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people to just GO FOR IT with all you’ve got. Nothing is impossible, if you earnestly desire it and work hard at achieving your dreams. Thank you sincerely, Dr Maxwell for sharing your most uplifting words of wisdom in encouraging me to follow my passion and reach for my personal dreams down the “un-trodden path of self fulfilment”. I in turn am passing them on through the amazing power of the ‘net’. Enjoy…
*
PUT YOUR DREAM TO THE TEST AND HOW TO SURVIVE THE SURPRIZE by Dr John Maxwell
“It took me twenty long years of blood, sweat and floods of tears to become an overnight success.”
– an anymoose writer”
In his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of the bible-character, Joseph. And there are parallels that each one of us can learn from Joseph in following the path of our own dreams. A first lesson: Each great journey has a great price. The questions to ask yourself to make your wildest dreams come true:
1. Am I willing to pay the price for my dream? Don’t be limited by your thinking (eg fleas in a bottle learnt not to jump high). There is always a cost to reaching your dreams. Family and friends often react negatively to your dream. Always remember, along the journey, you will have more “downs” than “ups”.
2. Do I have enough passion? Does my passion impel me to keep the dream alive? Passion is the great energizer, which pushes us on, when all appears lost.
3. Always remember, God is with you in the tough times, the “dark ” days and hours in the valleys. Along the journey we become closely attached to God, our “closest companion” through our “ups and downs”… to guide, strengthen and comfort us. God is ALWAYS faithful “If God is with us, everybody else might as well be too!” – John Maxwell
* Attitude is a CHOICE The attitude I have today is a choice. It’s my responsibility… TODAY! Invest in others. Put others first. Help them achieve THEIR dreams. Add value to them (and their lives) There are four ways to do that:
1. Value people, first
2. Add value to what others value.
3. By making ourselves more valuable
4. By doing things God values – that have an eternal nature.
NB: Be forgiving – no matter what someone has done to you. Have a forgiving spirit.
*
Part Four: In his address (based on his new book, ‘Put Your Dream to the Test’), John Maxwell is talking about the dream journey of Joseph. Joseph went from being a “believer” into a “buyer of the dream”, he really “bought into” his dream and “survived the surprise”. He fully trusted God (though “bad things can still happen to good people”).
* *
NOW THAT YOU HAVE ACHIEVED YOUR WILDEST DREAM(S)… WHAT NEXT?
Once we achieve, receive our dream, how to make the most of it? My dream is HERE. Often we can impact others more through sharing our failures more than our successes (a failure is just a person, who hasn’t succeeded …YET!). Now that you have achieved your dream…
* Be GENEROUS
* HELP others.. through adding value to them…. through your success (and what you’ve learnt along the way). Remember: ” God will not give to us, what will not flow through us” So share the benefits of your dream with others. Ask yourself: “Does my success, achieving my dream, benefit others in some way?” “Will other people be blessed with the God-given dream inside me?” .
*
SUMMARY:
1. Be GENEROUS
2 Be HUMBLE. “If the Lord makes you successful… one day, I’ll keep you humble.”
– a wife (I won’t say whose!)
Remember: “divine promotion is better than self promotion”) God raised me up. God helps those who can’t help themselves, when we are in over our heads and God makes the difference in achieving our dreams. Keeps us humble. CHOOSE to give God the glory, pass it on . Say, “I can do all things through Christ who strengthens me” – Philippians 4:3)
3 Have an attitude TO WIN Say “I CAN…one sunny day!
4. Live with an ATTITUDE OF GRATITUDE Always remember… God has already equipped you with all that you need to achieve your goals and even your wildest dreams . It usually takes a long time for your dream to lift off (the bigger the dream, the longer it takes). So be PATIENT. Wait on your dream. Trials and tribulations bring patience. Dreams are conceived in the mind long before they are realised. Dreams are like a large aircraft, a Jumbo jet on the runway. It takes a lot of energy for them to lift off, but then you soar freely. You can, if you THINK you can. Just believe in your dream…and yourself!
5. Use the great power of the human imagination to the fullest.
“Whatever the mind can conceive, can be achieved”.
Do all this in following YOUR dream and you WILL soar high and allow you to be all God intended you to be and become. You CAN do it … and in doing so you’ll surprize yourself at what is “humanly” possible!
Makes your dreams BIG enough for God, the Ultimate Source to fit in!
BELIEVE it (first) …then SEE your dreams come true
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
“Believing is seeing”
“I believe that God creates us with different gifts; so that in life’s journey each one of us, experiences challenges, things that give us joy and using our gifts allow us to bless the world around us.”
“Look within and you will find and receive from Without.”
“We have it all within, but we get all from without, the Ultimate Source.” – craig
“You are as great as your thoughts, as big as your heart and as vast as your imagination.” – my good friend, Dr Andy Eastcott, Gisborne, New Zealand
“Life is about finding, then following the dream…
and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
and one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
– me
About the submitter:
Craig has been following his dream for many years. He likes (rather loves) to share knowledge and insights from his life experiences with dashes of humour to try and help others in ‘every little way’ he can… without being too much of a “Mr goody-goody boring two shoes” (although they may be different colours and he’s lost the other one) . Craig believes the spiritual dimension is something we can all “tap into”… like ‘a sixth sense’, which gives each person ‘superior wisdom’ (“Infinite Wisdom from the Ultimate Source”) in making decisions and choosing one’s path in life.
He loves encouraging people to find, then follow their dreams in life… truly believing that with hard work, dedication, faith, and patience absolutely ANYTHING is possible to achieve (accomplish) in life
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
‘The Awakened Spirit’ and ‘From Seeds of Hate to the Bonds of Love’, based on some true and inspiring stories
of the unquenchable, the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us. Stories of ‘Endless Possibilities, Far and Unlimited (Grand) Horizons’.
These ebooks are already available at the above web sites.
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.comand http://craigbooks.wordpress.com
“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”
“Together, one mind, one heart, one life at a time, lets see how many people we can impact, encourage, empower and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
PS: I love these words of inspiration, so am sharing. Enjoy…
“I wish you well on a rainy day I wish you rainbows to brighten your day
To feel your quiet moments with a special kind of warmth to remind you that happiness can happen when you least expect it.
I wish you rainbows to make you laugh and smile to show you the simple beauty of life and to give you the magic of dreams come true.
I wish you rainbows I wish you well.”
– Larry S. Chenges
PPS
Click on John Maxwell’s great Youtube videos at http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BcKbfmukP9U
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dGeV606QJ4o
How To Find And Live Your Dreams By Dr Bruce Wilkinson
Article Title: How To Find And Live Your Dreams By Dr Bruce Wilkinson
Shared by Craig Lock
Category: Dreams,Inspiration, Dr Bruce Wilkinson, Hour of Power, Motivation, Empowerment, Words of empowerment and inspiration
Web Site: http://www.brucewilkinson.com/
Submitter’s web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.anewdawnbook.wordpress.com
www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 andhttp://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:
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published (with acknowledgment to Dr Bruce Wilkinson and Hour of Power, please)..
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
How to Find and Live your Dreams
“I’d rather attempt something great and fail…
than try nothing and succeed.”
– inspiring words from Norman Vincent Peale
(US preacher and author)
Author’s Note:
This article was largely based upon a most inspiring adress by Dr Bruce Wilkinson as aired on the TV program, The Hour of Power in New Zealand on TV3 many years ago. Though it is quite “religious” (and no matter what the concept of God, or a Higher Power/ Supreme Being means to you), I have personalised some of the information and applied the principles to my own life (with a dash of humour), as in this piece.
The Rev Robert Schuller has been a great inspiration and “mentor” to me in following my personal dream for many years and I’m sharing this piece with the hope and in the spirit of inspiring other people to follow their personal dreams. That is my ‘mission’ and dream!
craig
April 2003
*
What would you do with your life, if you KNEW that you COULD NOT FAIL?
What dream did you carry in your heart when you were a child?
Perhaps it was to be a fireman, a nurse, a policeman, an actor, a footballer, racing driver, a musician or perhaps even a writer (“oh no”!)… but definitely NOT an “insurance man”!
What is your soul telling you to aim for in your life TODAY?
I believe that many dreams (big or small) start in prayer – in close communion with the Source of Life, the One who knows us best, our Creator, God, the Infinite Spirit of the Universe.
HOW does this happen?
With FAITH and “possibility thinking”. And “heaps” of prayer. Prayer changes our thoughts into another, a higher (loftier) DIMENSION – the SPIRITUAL. It’s a change of CONSCIOUSNESS Another analogy may be like this: Just as we live, work and play in the “real world”, we can also operate a business or touch lives in another realm, the “world of cyberspace”, as I’m hopefully doing in sharing this article). In moments of meditation and prayer (spiritual awareness) our Higher Self connects with the divine, a Force/Being/Spirit far Greater than ourselves – our spirit connects with Infinite (Divine) Spirit; so that we draw on an Higher Power with unlimited potential… the power of God, the Essence of Life, or as Napoleon Hill termed ‘Infinite Intelligence’.
And God, Infinite Spirit, a Deity, the Ground of all Being, I believe, communicates through the conduit (medium or channel) of our subconscious minds. My “very analytical scientific” friend, Andy (a micro-biologist) calls it the ” ‘God-gate’ to Infinite Intelligence, the Great Designer”. We then just have to use our tools of BELIEF (faith) and ask the right questions. EXPECT an answer to our questions, a solution to our life problems (even many big ones, like mine!). TRUST the process, then leave to ‘Invisible Intelligence, Infinite Spirit to work things out for you – the best way possible to move forward. Just relax and allow the Universe’s Infinite Wisdom to send you the right answers: the Almighty , the Grand Designer of Life WILL.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
*
Here are some good points made by Dr Wilkinson…
* I truly believe that God, the Great Dream Giver, the Ultimate Source, the Ground of our very Being also has a dream for every life and especially YOUR life.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Before you were born, I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
and the big dreamers are the ones who’ll change the world…
so making it a better place for ALL.
* The secret of the dream: you never know how you’re going to do it before you COMMIT to doing it.
* When God gives you a dream in your heart, it is always too big for you to do…ALONE. So you need a “Partner”. A “Co-creator”. It seems overwhelming at first – impossible, way out of your reach; yet somehow it gets achieved. No, not achieved…but surpassed.
“The dreams of great dreamers are never achieved; but with God’s help are always transcended – into true miracles…beyond one’s wildest dreams.”
* Your dream is at the centre of who you really are: It’s the ‘essence’ of who you are as a person – the core of your very BEING. The dream of God is the reason for the way you are – it drives you and gives a sense of meaning and purpose to your life: to follow your unique destiny.
* The dream is always outside your comfort zone. (I thought mine was impossible (and “crazy”), from where I was (“never in a million years”). However, even our “big-little” dreams fit perfectly into God’s bigger plan, His Grand Dream for the Universe. So make your dreams big enough for God to fit in.
“Lord, Reveal Your power and somehow fit my “little” dream, my ‘little’ life into Your grand plan for this world.”
* When you start out tentatively, don’t focus on the fear – focus on the dream. Then the dream becomes more important than the fear.
* Dreams happen when you accept the fact that the dream is your calling, something YOU simply HAVE to do to fulfil you. COMMIT fully to it. Say: “I don’t know HOW I’ll do it, but God will give me the way, if I just proceed and follow the dream. Just DEPEND on God, the Essence of Life to accomplish the “seemingly impossible”! Take that first step in FAITH; then watch what happens.
I have absolutely “zilch” idea where my journey is leading, but in “partnership with the Ultimate Source” guiding me each step of the way, it’s tremendously exciting, sliding down “the rapids”, er sorry, “waterfalls of life”.
It’s the will of God, our Creator, that we follow our personal dreams – fulfilling God’s dream is what we have been made to do, based on our skills, talents, gifts and aspirations. In short, our unique personas, who we are as ‘human beans’. It’s our unique calling in life: to do what we are DESTINED to do and it usually involves helping (serving) others, ie. meeting a human need to help others or make their lives easier or better in some way. I believe the key is making some contribution, however small we may think it is, to the betterment of humanity.
“All of us can become great, because we can all SERVE.”
– Martin Luther King (or was it Mother Teresa…or both??)
CHOOSE to follow your dream; because, if you don’t, do you realise how many people will be affected? Because a dream often lies in helping someone else’s dream, or helping them towards achieving it. It is God’s dream and consequently can never be selfish.
All dreams start in FAITH, but ones faith gets strengthened as you take one step after the next (one gets “led”). Faith really works and it get’s stronger by the day, when you look back and see how far you’ve come along the path.
Never give up on your unique calling, YOUR dream, Say, “I will UNTIL.” Finally , when you feel stuck in moving ahead with your dream…once you’ve done all you can, SURRENDER your dream to God, the “Ground of All Being, Truth, Goodness and Joy”.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
My dream in sharing this piece is hopefully helping others to fulfil their potentials, their individual dreams through encouragement (and perhaps upliftment). You can’t imagine the more you pursue the dream, the more God, the Grand Designer of Life, is going to use you in ways you never imagined possible. I am continually amazed at what we’re doing each day…from what started out as the seed of a vision twelve long years ago (when I had no idea how to turn on a computer!). Though many times facing innumerable obstacles and often feeling stuck, I simply surrendered my dream to God, the Universe. Then I’d get some insight or somehow the Universe, Essence of Life, Infinite Spirit would just move me ahead and open up a path for the vision. “Co-incidences?” This journey is a true ‘miracle’ in action, I believe, that so many people around the globe are involved and helping me greatly, as one person can’t do it alone. (Thanks so much, all of you for your many skills and gifts that I don’t have – you know who you are and also that I’m a total “non-techno wally”!). Once you embark on God’s dream for your life, watch the way the Universe brings people into your life to help you and to expand the vision (because you can’t do it alone). Also my faithis considerably strengthened each day, as I see the process DOES work…and one can see how far you’ve come from those tentative first steps. I’m greatly enjoying this most enjoyable and exciting journey, as I follow my personal dream(s).
craig April 2003
After that little personal interlude… to continue with Dr Wilkinson’s message in a few final words…
*
You’re never too old and you’re never too young to dream big dreams!
Will you go through life one day regretting that you DARED TO DREAM?
Will you too surrender to your personal (“impossible”) dream?
Absolutely NOTHING is impossible* (I can certainly vouch for that!).
“It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”
-anon
“It always seems impossible…
until it get’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and
receives the impossible.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
Always remember,
God’s dreams are far bigger than you could have imagined yourself.
Just TRUST God, the Essence of Life, the Ground of Our Being, Ultimate Source and enjoy the journey towards your dreams. Absolutely NOTHING is impossible. Just BELIEVE in your dream.
You CAN do ANYTHING with God’s help (just live in an attitude of dependence) and your individual journeys can be used to honour the infinite love of our Creator.
So how about doing something about following your passion and pursuing your dream TODAY?
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
LIVE the dream
“Life is about finding, then following the dream… and
one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
– craig 2003
“A man (OOPS, or woman) without a dream is destined never to fulfil his or her full potential in life. Never give up on your dream…
but take time to smell the flowers on your very individual journey.’ Be yourself and daily count your blessings;
then try to make a difference in the world – however small.
Try to shine your own little ray of sunshine to make the lives of others easier in some small way.
You can derive the greatest pleasure from treading the wildest uncertain path down the ‘river of life…
and just being you.”
“Our talents are our gifts from God…
but what we do with them are our gifts TO God.”
PPS: Thank you sincerely, Drs Wilkinson and Schuller for sharing your insights and wisdom in encouraging me down my ‘untrodden path’, as I follow my dreams; but most of all, for serving as a vessel to illuminate God’s unlimited love for all of us, His children.
LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world;
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
“When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.”
– craig
About the submitter:
In his life mission Craig hopes to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the magical journey of life
http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/www.craiglockbooks.comand www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:
http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.anewdawnbook.wordpress.com
www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“We have it all within, but we get from without, the Ultimate Source.”
– craig
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to Dr Schuller and Dr Bruce Wilkinson, please)
“What we learn in the darkness…
we are to share in the eternal light.”
we are to share in the eternal light.”
Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill (from Inspirational Books – Part Two)
THINK AND GROW RICH (FROM INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS – PART TWO)
Introduction:
This article (in point form) is extracted from (and a summary of) a most inspirational book by Napoleon Hill titled ‘Think and Grow Rich’ (publisher Melville Powers, US) from notes that I’ve taken over the years. I am sharing the contents of this ground-breaking work in this field, together with additional comments based on my own experiences) in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really want to “achieve unlimited success” to read this ‘classic’ , fascinating book, apply the principles…then see what happens!.
Craig has been studying the principles of success (and successful living) and researching the amazing powers of the human mind for much of his life and is sharing his insights with the aim of helping others reach their full potentials in life. That is my reason for sharing this piece – to encourage others to follow their personal dreams. That is my dream!
Thank you sincerely, Mr Hill for sharing your words of wisdom …and in so doing, in encouraging me to follow my “untrodden path” with passion and reach for my personal dreams. I WILL UNTIL.
*
“The mind is not a vase to be filled… but a fire to be ignited.”
STEP 5: IMAGINATION.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
– Einstein
This is your own “workshop”, where you fashion ideas. All the “breaks” (opportunities) you ever need in life are waiting within your imagination. Use the amazing untappedcreativity within you to solve any problem and stimulate your imagination. Ideas are the sources of all fortunes ever made; they are the products of our imagination. Clerk Asa Chandler spent his life’s savings of $500 on an idea for an ingredient. He supplied (and applied) the imagination, which turned the “magic” formula into a fortune…which is now the world wide mega-corporation that is Coca-Cola.
Chandler had a burning desire to make his investment work. Big achievers have an obsession – they believe so fervently in their idea, product or service. Ask yourself this important question: What would I do, if I had a million dollars? A definite purpose results in a definite plan. The finest tool still needs a man who knows how to use it.
There are many other simple ideas. It doesn’t even have to be original – you can come up with a new combination of them.
STEP 6: ORGANIZED PLANNING
Defeat makes you stronger.
Sell services and ideas.
Leaders and followers: Most great leaders began as followers.
11 secrets of leadership:
1. unwavering courage
2. enlisting the co-operation of others – you can’t do it alone. etc (for the rest see my article on principles of leadership).
Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill (from Inspirational Books – Part Two)
Article Title: ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill (from Inspirational Books – Part Two)
Submitted by Craig Lock
Category (Key words/Tags): Human potential, Success, Napoleon Hill, Mind, Mindpower, Mind Control, Motivation, Inspiration, Inspirational Books, Desires, Passion, Subconscious mind, Aspirations, Words of wisdom, Burning desire, Abundance, Definite purpose, Achievers, Definite plan, Leadership (STOP – enough there!)
Web Sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock + www.lulu.com/craiglock
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at
http://ogmandinobooks.wordpress.comwww.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.sharefaith.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:
This article (in point form) has been adapted from (and is a summary of) the excellent motivational and up-lifting book, the classic ‘Think and Grow Rich’ by Napoleon Hill, published by Melvin Powers, Wilshire Book Co Ca. 1966, 1960,
1937).
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print, as long as the source is acknowledged, thanks.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
THINK AND GROW RICH (FROM INSPIRATIONAL BOOKS – PART TWO)
Introduction:
This article (in point form) is extracted from (and a summary of) a most inspirational book by Napoleon Hill titled ‘Think and Grow Rich’ (publisher Melville Powers, US) from notes that I’ve taken over the years. I am sharing the contents of this ground-breaking work in this field, together with additional comments based on my own experiences) in the spirit of encouraging and hopefully even inspiring those people, who really want to “achieve unlimited success” to read this ‘classic’ , fascinating book, apply the principles…then see what happens!.
Craig has been studying the principles of success (and successful living) and researching the amazing powers of the human mind for much of his life and is sharing his insights with the aim of helping others reach their full potentials in life. That is my reason for sharing this piece – to encourage others to follow their personal dreams. That is my dream!
Thank you sincerely, Mr Hill for sharing your words of wisdom …and in so doing, in encouraging me to follow my “untrodden path” with passion and reach for my personal dreams. I WILL UNTIL.
*
“The mind is not a vase to be filled… but a fire to be ignited.”
STEP 5: IMAGINATION.
“Imagination is more important than knowledge.”
– Einstein
This is your own “workshop”, where you fashion ideas. All the “breaks” (opportunities) you ever need in life are waiting within your imagination. Use the amazing untappedcreativity within you to solve any problem and stimulate your imagination. Ideas are the sources of all fortunes ever made; they are the products of our imagination. Clerk Asa Chandler spent his life’s savings of $500 on an idea for an ingredient. He supplied (and applied) the imagination, which turned the “magic” formula into a fortune…which is now the world wide mega-corporation that is Coca-Cola.
Chandler had a burning desire to make his investment work. Big achievers have an obsession – they believe so fervently in their idea, product or service. Ask yourself this important question: What would I do, if I had a million dollars? A definite purpose results in a definite plan. The finest tool still needs a man who knows how to use it.
There are many other simple ideas. It doesn’t even have to be original – you can come up with a new combination of them.
STEP 6: ORGANIZED PLANNING
Defeat makes you stronger.
Sell services and ideas.
Leaders and followers: Most great leaders began as followers.
11 secrets of leadership:
1. unwavering courage
2. enlisting the co-operation of others – you can’t do it alone. etc (for the rest see my article on principles of leadership).
Leaders by force: like Napoleon Bonaparte, Mussolini and Hitler. However, this style of leadership is only temporary; thus it is far better to lead by consent.
Why many leaders fail? An inability to organize details. (My weakness, but something to work on – DELEGATE more!).
5 ways to get a good job:
Find a job you like to do – one you perhaps even love!
31 ways to fail?
Market yourself.
There is abundance everywhere, opportunity everywhere in the Universe. You just have to look for it; then you’ll find plentiful abundance. The ‘capital’ lies
within yourself.(in the human imagination). Success requires no explanations; whilst failure permits no alibis.
7. DECISION:
Make quick and definite decisions. Instant decisions make history. (I change mine quickly and often, no wonder I “bumble along”). Henry Ford persisted in manufacturing the Model T, the world’s ugliest car, when all his advisers were urging him to change it. For years well-meaning people told me to give up writing and get a “proper” job (perhaps they were right)!
Opinions are cheap. Genuine wisdom is usually displayed through modesty and silence.
A great desire for freedom brings freedom (as evidenced in the life of Nelson Mandela); a great desire for wealth brings wealth. Every powerful man has within
him his own power.
STEP 8: PERSISTENCE.
The magic of “money consciousness”. Defeat is a temporary condition – one is only defeated until a person accepts defeat in their own mind.
Anyone can learn persistence. It’s a state of mind which can be cultivated. You too can learn to be a dog, who won’t let go of their bone. Persistence is caused
by (as well as being made up of) these traits:
* definiteness of purpose
* desire (strong)
* self reliance (and self responsibility)
* definiteness of plans
* accurate knowledge – knowing that your plan or idea is sound
* courage (great)
* will power
* enlisting the co-operation with others. The art of getting other people to
help you in moving towards your goals, desires and dreams. In exchange you can
offer them something.
* habit, ie. developing good habits.
Anyone can criticize. (Far easier than creating – who wants to be a critic?*). You make your own “breaks” (opportunities) in life. Thomas A Edison had less than 3 months formal schooling. As the saying goes: “When the going gets tough, the tough get going.” (thanks dad)
9. THE INCREDIBLE POWER OF THE HUMAN MIND.
Power is essential for success in the accumulation of money (don’t know if I agree with that statement of Mr Hill???).
I think imagination is more important!
Use more brains than your own. This is the process of synergy at work, ie 1 + 1 = 3. Henry Ford shot ahead, when he become friendly with Thomas A Edison, Harvey
Firestone, John Burroughs and Luther Burbank. Ford shared his thoughts with them and asked for their advice and input. His good friends weren’t just “sounding boards to run past” his ideas. (I rely totally on “technogeeks”, as I’m a “total non-techno”).
There is a great wealth of knowledge in books like this. Read, think and meditate as you read. (Take notes of good points, as even small actions imprint principles in the subconscious mind). PLAN and organize to get rich. Poverty needs no plan; so staying poor is easy. The energy of the human mind shows itself to the world in your ENTHUSIASM. It’s infectious and is a vital characteristic of nearly all successful people. So they are excited and fervently believe in their “pathway of destiny”.
They love what they do (do what you love and the money will surely follow).
Happiness is found not merely in possessing; but in doing and especially in the life journey of BEING… and BECOMING.
Shared by Craig Lock Eagle Productions (“Information and Inspiration Distributers, Incorrigible Encouragers and People-builders)
“Eagles may fly high; but weasels don’t get sucked into jet engines.”
The important thing is not to win, but to take part.
The important thing in life is not the triumph, but the struggle.
The essential thing is not to have conquered, but to have fought well.”
“Success is never ending, failure is never final.”
– Dr Robert H Schuller
“I’d rather attempt to do something great and fail, than try doing something ordinary and succeed.”
– Norman Vincent Peale”
“Inside each of us are powers so strong,
treasures so rich, possibilities so endless,
that to command them all to action
would change the history of the world.”
– anon
A Hero In Every Heart
“The roots of true achievement lie in the will to
become the best that you can become.”
– Harold Taylor
“Make no little plans; they have no magic to stir your blood to action – make
big plans, aim high in work and hope.”
– David Burnham
“Every man has his own destiny; the only imperative is to follow it, no matter where it leads him.”
– Henry Miller
“Do not follow the well-beaten track of others towards success – like the rainbow, it is often an illusion always just beyond our reach. Make your own path and let your spirit blaze a brilliant trail towards the pot of gold, the prize for the gift – one that is uniquely you and YOUR successful journey down\the mysterious and magical river of life.”
“I truly believe we can ALL create and enthuse magic into ‘so-called humdrum little lives’. You don’t just have to be the choreographer, or the conductor of your life script – rather paint your life as the masterpiece it could (one day) be. There is a rich tapestry of talent in every human soul, that flows through the spirit of God. So don’t spend your days stringing and tuning your instrument; start making and playing your unique tunes of music right now.”
– craig
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
– craig
“Success to others may be apparent in what you DO; but significance, meaning and purpose lies, then reveals itself in what you ARE and BECOME down the ‘river of
life’ – how and the spirit with which you face, then overcome the daily obstacles, the frequent trials and tribulations along the often rocky path-way of life’s magical and mysterious journey. Light your path brightly.”
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even “impassible”) path ahead of you is never as
steep with the great spirit that lies within you.”
“Our Greatest Good is perhaps not to achieve wealth and share our material possessions, our money and ‘riches’ with others, but through encouragement and
faith in other people, to lay the firm foundation of revealing the rich treasure that lies within themselves.”
– craig
“Together, one mind at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift, encourage … and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials.”
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgement to the source, thanks)
* “It is not the critic who counts: not the man who points out how the strong man stumbles or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs
to the man who is actually in the arena, whose face is marred by dust and sweat and blood, who strives valiantly, who errs and comes up short again and again,
because there is no effort without error or shortcoming, but who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions, who spends himself for a worthy cause; who, at the best, knows, in the end, the triumph of high achievement, and who, at the worst, if he fails, at least he fails while daring greatly, so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who knew neither victory nor defeat.”
Theodore Roosevelt (“Citizenship in a Republic“, Speech at the Sorbonne, Paris, April 23, 1910)
“Success is doing the best you can, in as many ways as you can.
It is being just and honest and true – not in a few things, but in everything you do.
Always look ahead and never look back,
believe you can make all your dreams come true.
Always believe in the best you can be
and have faith in the things that you do.
Forget about the mistakes you’ve made yesterday,
the lessons you learn will prove valuable for today…
Never give up and think that you’re through…
for there’s always tomorrow and a chance to begin brand new.
It is in dreaming the greatest dreams…
and seeking the highest goals…
that we build the brightest tomorrows.
There is no limit to the goals you can attain,
or the success you can achieve…
your possibilities are as endless as your dreams.
Whatever it is that you seek in life,
whatever your dreams and what you hope to achieve,
whatever you try to reach – whatever you plan…
can all be yours – if you only believe you can!”
– Larry S. Chengges
Dreams
“Hold fast to dreams
For if dreams die
Life is a broken-winged bird
That cannot fly.
Hold fast to dreams
For when dreams go
Life is a barren field
Frozen with snow. “
– Langston Hughes
About the submitter:
Craig believes in the infinite potential of people to achieve their wildest dreams…with persistence and faith. He loves sharing information and insights to try make some small difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy.
The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at
www.lulu.com/craiglock + http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
* Hard-copies and e-books, fiction and nonfiction: self help, novels, travel, humour, writing, inspiration and money management
All proceeds go to needy and underprivileged children –
MINE!
Cut out that poverty of thought immediately, craig and start thinking RIGHT…POSITIVELY!
“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
“Outside of a dog, a book is man’s best friend. Inside of a dog, it’s too dark to read.”
– Groucho Marx
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://ogmandinobooks.wordpress.com
www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.sharefaith.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com
“Together, one mind, one soul at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, encourage and perhaps even inspire to reach their fullest potentials
PPS:
As Jesus said, “All things are possible for those that believe.”
Determination – the Key to Success in Sport and in Life
from http://www.grandprixchampion.wordpress.com
Article Title: Determination – the Key to Success in Sport and in Life
(from ‘Steps to Success, Prosperity and Happiness‘and The Winning Mind”)
Author: Craig Lock
Category/Subject: Spiritual, Inspiration, Empowerment, Success, Success Principles, Personal Growth, Self Help, Motivation, Mind, Mind Control, Mind-power, books, self help books, (enough there now, craig)
Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4www.creativekiwis/amazon.html andhttp://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html#craig
The submitter’s motor racing blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are athttp://grandprixdriver.wordpress.com
his various other blogs are athttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.
(Other articles are available at:http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 andhttp://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 article (an extract from one of Craig’s first manuscripts on sport psychology‘The Winning Mind’, as well as an extract from Chapter Two of one of Craig’s first manuscripts (“rather wacky”) titled ‘STEPS TO SUCCESS, PROSPERITY AND HAPPINESS’ and his book on thepsychology of sport titled ‘The Winning Mind’ written “many many moons ago” may be informative and helpful to your ezine readers, or on your web site. If it helps others “out there” on the pathway to success (and most importantly, happiness), then we’re very happy.
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published.
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
#
DETERMINATION – THE KEY TO SUCCESS
I think the key words in the path to success are: DETERMINATION and SELF DISCIPLINE. Others are FOCUS and a SINGLE-MINDEDNESS (in pursuit of one’s goals). The words ‘determination’ and (by association) ‘ruthlessness’, suggest a person who wants success and power for it’s own sake. This is another sort of obsession. However, a desire for power, riches and fame may have virtually nothing to do with it. By the way, I feel that not all successful people and business executives are ruthless – they are not all “money grabbing corporate raiders”. Most of them are “normal and good family men”, who have perfectly natural reactions in that they hate firing employees. “Soft gentle souls!” Determination is often at its greatest, when a person is enslaved by an idea and wants to see the idea work. There is a further sort of determination: the determination to see things through, to finish the job. For example, a compulsion to qualify for the PGA golf tour in America, to finish a building, or in my case to finish writing this manuscript…and then get it published… which is the hardest part of all. Especially with the way I write!
I suppose all these characteristics are somewhat abnormal; because so-called “normal” people are more passive and less focused than us “obsessive types”. They are regarded as being less “mad” by the majority of the public, who engage in more ordinary activities and have more “normal” occupations. This thought leads me on to another question: Is the top-most level of success the only one worth having, or is it sufficient to merely enjoy sport for it’s own sake (even the professionals)? Does every player entering Wimbledon really think he or she is going to win the Championship? Or is it success itself just to play in the Wimbledon tournament? How realistic is the vision of success to YOU? It all depends on how you define success for yourself…which is the thought with which I introduced this chapter. I believe that a strong SENSE OF DIRECTION or PURPOSE IN LIFE is a very important ingredient for success. So too is a persistent personality.
To be successful in whatever endeavour one chooses, first of all requires a great of talent. It might be latent, waiting to be uncovered. Perhaps, you are not even aware of it. I wonder how many budding Ayrton Senna’s and Michael Schumachers there are around, who just have never had the opportunity (mainly in the form of money) to race cars? Motor racing is certainly the “ultimate rich boy’s sport”. To finally reap the rewards of success, obviously talent has to be there on the long slow road to success – and at the time of success…but has it always been there? Chess geniuses, athletes, tennis players, architects, athletes, scientists, dress designers and advertising creative directors. These “creative types”! There can be talent deep within; but there has to be hard work and training before the talent bears fruition – so that it can succeed against (all) others…and this often takes a great deal of time to bear fruit.
“Ït took me 20 long years of blood, sweat and tears to become an overnight success.”
– “a nony mouse”
I believe in life it’s firstly a matter of finding your “niche”, then unlocking your unique talents…and finding it is the most difficult part. You may not even be aware you have any special gifts. That is the “key” to success. As I mentioned, I found whatever little ones I had through a process of serendipity…and it’s probably my one and only talent! My writing, I mean. Once uncovered, it’s then a question of building on it and maximizing it. Maria Callas, the opera singer with “a voice like an angel” put a great deal of effort into maximizing her talent. Sometimes a phenomenol talent, like a Juan Manuel Fangio*, Jim Clark or Ayrton Senna soars above all others; but in most cases it’s the effort and total dedication put in to make the most of one’s natural talents, that puts an individual into the realm of a superstar – someone who is on a different level, a cut above the best of the rest, us ‘mere mortals’.
* Fangio won the World Driver’s Championship five times.
One can sometimes substitute hard work, training, experience and strategy for flair. Nice word that ‘flair’. Could be a girl’s name. Some detectives are like “Mr Plod”, while a few sleuths have the natural insight of a Sherlock Holmes. Most others have to get results through hard detailed work in uncovering cases. I don’t yet know whether I’m a “natural” writer or a methodical plodder, a “gatherer and passer-onner of useless information” through a great deal of effort. Perhaps only time will tell! I might have mentioned before (once, twice or ten times) that this manuscript has been written for anyone: from the most lowly amateur to the real ‘pros’ in the sporting world. So no matter how lowly your abilities, make the most of them.
As I mentioned already, a positive attitude to life is all-important. A positive attitude says that your natural talent can be maximized. It also says that without further effort, natural talent will be wasted. I do like repeating myself: for emphasis primarily and as a sign of encroaching senility too. Sometimes persistent effort alone won’t succeed in getting you to the top – only sheer talent will do that… together with consistent effort to keep you at “the top of the tree”.
Never mind – JUST TRY TO IMPROVE yourself and simply DO YOUR BEST at all times.
Say: “I WILL UNTIL…”
Have “heaps” of FUN as you “ride the rapids of life” *
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and InspirationDistributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
* that’s a metaphor, btw
“Ï write, because I like to make things…and the only things I am good at making are with words.”
– PJ O’Rourke
“The important thing is this: to be able at any moment to sacrifice what we are for what we could become.”
– Charles Du Bos
“I am not just a human being…
I am a human ‘bean’ just becoming.”
– My good friend and “wise” intellectual philosopher, Dr Andy Eastcott (thanks for fixing my teeth and for the most
interesting discussions on life, “mate”)
“The roots of true achievement lie in the will to become the best that you can become.”
– Harold Taylor
“The task ahead of you can always be overcome by the power within you…and the often seemingly difficult or even
“impassible”) path ahead of you is never as steep with the great spirit that lies within you.
– craig
“I am not bound to win, but I am bound to be true. I am not bound to succeed, but I am bound to live by the light that I have.”
– Abraham Lincoln
“Oh man! There is no planet sun or star could hold you, if you but knew what you are.”
– Ralph Waldo Emerson
“He who cherishes a beautiful vision, a lofty ideal in his heart, will one day realize it. Dream lofty dreamsand as you dream so shall you become.”
– James Allen
“No vision and you perish; No Ideal, and you’re lost; Your heart must ever cherish Some faith at any cost. Some hope, some dream to cling to, Some rainbow in the sky, Some melody to sing to, Some service that is high.”
– Harriet Du Autermont
About the submitter::
Craig believes in (and loves) helping others to find their passions and gifts… through encouraging people to reach out for, then accomplish their “wildest” dreams. He truly believes people can overcome obstacles, rise to any occasion, and accomplish their dreams in life with enough FAITH and PERSISTENCE.
http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/www.craiglockbooks.com andwww.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including ‘The Winning Mind’ * *) are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4www.creativekiwis/amazon.html
http://www.creativekiwis.com/books.html#craigwww.lulucom/craiglockand http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock
www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books +www.lulu.com/craiglock
* * A look at the psychology of sport, the ‘arm-chair’ author’s great passion. This manuscript goes into more depth, from the amateur sports-person to the professional. How to master ones mind, the “top two inches”… in sport…and in life.
The submitter’s motor racing blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are athttp://grandprixdriver.wordpress.com
his various other blogs are athttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.
“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.”
“Together, one mind, 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.”
THIS ARTICLE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED
PPS
Give a man a fish and you feed him for a day; teach a man to use the Internet and he won’t bother you for months…or perhaps even years!
(Sorry men!)
As they carry me to my deathbed, I’ll be saying:
“Lord,
Can you just give me one more hour to finish off this one last article, or book…. PLEASE!”
– craig (as inspired by the quote of singer, Barry Manilow)
How To Find And Live Your Dreams By Dr Bruce Wilkinson
Article Title: How To Find And Live Your Dreams By Dr Bruce Wilkinson
Shared by Craig Lock
Category: Dreams,Inspiration, Dr Bruce Wilkinson, Hour of Power, Motivation, Empowerment, Words of empowerment and inspiration
Web Site: http://www.brucewilkinson.com/
Submitter’s web sites:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
Craig’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.anewdawnbook.wordpress.com
www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
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:
This article (as with all my articles) may be freely published (with acknowledgment to Dr Bruce Wilkinson and Hour of Power, please)..
“We share what we know, so that we all may grow.”
*
How to Find and Live your Dreams
“I’d rather attempt something great and fail…
than try nothing and succeed.”
– inspiring words from Norman Vincent Peale
(US preacher and author)
Author’s Note:
This article was largely based upon a most inspiring address by Dr Bruce Wilkinson as aired on the TV program, The Hour of Power in New Zealand on TV3 many years ago. Though it is quite “religious” (and no matter what the concept of God, or a Higher Power/ Supreme Being means to you), I have personalised some of the information and applied the principles to my own life (with a dash of humour), as in this piece.
The Rev Robert Schuller has been a great inspiration and “mentor” to me in following my personal dream for many years and I’m sharing this piece with the hope and in the spirit of inspiring other people to follow their personal dreams. That is my ‘mission’ and dream!
craig
April 2003
*
What would you do with your life, if you KNEW that you COULD NOT FAIL?
What dream did you carry in your heart when you were a child?
Perhaps it was to be a fireman, a nurse, a policeman, an actor, a footballer, racing driver, a musician or perhaps even a writer (“oh no”!)… but definitely NOT an “insurance man”!
What is your soul telling you to aim for in your life TODAY?
I believe that many dreams (big or small) start in prayer – in close communion with the Source of Life, the One who knows us best, our Creator, God, the Infinite Spirit of the Universe.
HOW does this happen?
With FAITH and “possibility thinking”. And “heaps” of prayer. Prayer changes our thoughts into another, a higher (loftier) DIMENSION – the SPIRITUAL. It’s a change of CONSCIOUSNESS Another analogy may be like this: Just as we live, work and play in the “real world”, we can also operate a business or touch lives in another realm, the “world of cyberspace”, as I’m hopefully doing in sharing this article). In moments of meditation and prayer (spiritual awareness) our Higher Self connects with the divine, a Force/Being/Spirit far Greater than ourselves – our spirit connects with Infinite (Divine) Spirit; so that we draw on an Higher Power with unlimited potential… the power of God, the Essence of Life, or as Napoleon Hill termed ‘Infinite Intelligence’.
And God, Infinite Spirit, a Deity, the Ground of all Being, I believe, communicates through the conduit (medium or channel) of our subconscious minds. My “very analytical scientific” friend, Andy (a micro-biologist) calls it the ” ‘God-gate’ to Infinite Intelligence, the Great Designer”. We then just have to use our tools of BELIEF (faith) and ask the right questions. EXPECT an answer to our questions, a solution to our life problems (even many big ones, like mine!). TRUST the process, then leave to ‘Invisible Intelligence, Infinite Spirit to work things out for you – the best way possible to move forward. Just relax and allow the Universe’s Infinite Wisdom to send you the right answers: the Almighty , the Grand Designer of Life WILL.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
*
Here are some good points made by Dr Wilkinson…
* I truly believe that God, the Great Dream Giver, the Ultimate Source, the Ground of our very Being also has a dream for every life and especially YOUR life.
“Before I formed you in the womb I knew you…
Before you were born, I set you apart.” (Jeremiah 1:5)
and the big dreamers are the ones who’ll change the world…
so making it a better place for ALL.
* The secret of the dream: you never know how you’re going to do it before you COMMIT to doing it.
* When God gives you a dream in your heart, it is always too big for you to do…ALONE. So you need a “Partner”. A “Co-creator”. It seems overwhelming at first – impossible, way out of your reach; yet somehow it gets achieved. No, not achieved…but surpassed.
“The dreams of great dreamers are never achieved; but with God’s help are always transcended – into true miracles…beyond one’s wildest dreams.”
* Your dream is at the centre of who you really are: It’s the ‘essence’ of who you are as a person – the core of your very BEING. The dream of God is the reason for the way you are – it drives you and gives a sense of meaning and purpose to your life: to follow your unique destiny.
* The dream is always outside your comfort zone. (I thought mine was impossible (and “crazy”), from where I was (“never in a million years”). However, even our “big-little” dreams fit perfectly into God’s bigger plan, His Grand Dream for the Universe. So make your dreams big enough for God to fit in.
“Lord, Reveal Your power and somehow fit my “little” dream, my ‘little’ life into Your grand plan for this world.”
* When you start out tentatively, don’t focus on the fear – focus on the dream. Then the dream becomes more important than the fear.
* Dreams happen when you accept the fact that the dream is your calling, something YOU simply HAVE to do to fulfil you. COMMIT fully to it. Say: “I don’t know HOW I’ll do it, but God will give me the way, if I just proceed and follow the dream. Just DEPEND on God, the Essence of Life to accomplish the “seemingly impossible”! Take that first step in FAITH; then watch what happens.
I have absolutely “zilch” idea where my journey is leading, but in “partnership (as a “co-worker”) with (and totally depending upon) the Ultimate Source” guiding me each step of the way, it’s tremendously exciting, sliding down “the rapids”, er sorry, “waterfalls of life”.
“Lord, I can’t…but You can!”
It’s the will of God, our Creator, that we follow our personal dreams – fulfilling God’s dream is what we have been made to do, based on our skills, talents, gifts and aspirations. In short, our unique personas, who we are as ‘human beans’. It’s our unique calling in life: to do what we are DESTINED to do and it usually involves helping (serving) others, ie. meeting a human need to help others or make their lives easier or better in some way. I believe the key is making some contribution, however small we may think it is, to the betterment of humanity.
“All of us can become great, because we can all SERVE.”
– Martin Luther King (or was it Mother Teresa…or both??)
CHOOSE to follow your dream; because, if you don’t, do you realise how many people will be affected? Because a dream often lies in helping someone else’s dream, or helping them towards achieving it. It is God’s dream and consequently can never be selfish.
All dreams start in FAITH, but ones faith gets strengthened as you take one step after the next (one gets “led”). Faith really works and it get’s stronger by the day, when you look back and see how far you’ve come along the path.
Never give up on your unique calling, YOUR dream, Say, “I will UNTIL.” Finally , when you feel stuck in moving ahead with your dream…once you’ve done all you can, SURRENDER your dream to God, the “Ground of All Being, Truth, Goodness and Joy”.
“Let go, let God, let good.”
My dream in sharing this piece is hopefully helping others to fulfil their potentials, their individual dreams through encouragement (and perhaps upliftment). You can’t imagine the more you pursue the dream, the more God, the Grand Designer of Life, is going to use you in ways you never imagined possible. I am continually amazed at what we’re doing each day…from what started out as the seed of a vision twelve long years ago (when I had no idea how to turn on a computer!). Though many times facing innumerable obstacles and often feeling stuck, I simply surrendered my dream to God, the Universe. Then I’d get some insight or somehow the Universe, Essence of Life, Infinite Spirit would just move me ahead and open up a path for the vision. “Co-incidences?” This journey is a true ‘miracle’ in action, I believe, that so many people around the globe are involved and helping me greatly, as one person can’t do it alone. (Thanks so much, all of you for your many skills and gifts that I don’t have – you know who you are and also that I’m a total “non-techno wally”!). Once you embark on God’s dream for your life, watch the way the Universe brings people into your life to help you and to expand the vision (because you can’t do it alone). Also my faithis considerably strengthened each day, as I see the process DOES work…and one can see how far you’ve come from those tentative first steps. I’m greatly enjoying this most enjoyable and exciting journey, as I follow my personal dream(s).
craig April 2003
After that little personal interlude… to continue with Dr Wilkinson’s message in a few final words…
*
You’re never too old and you’re never too young to dream big dreams!
Will you go through life one day regretting that you DARED TO DREAM?
Will you too surrender to your personal (“impossible”) dream?
Absolutely NOTHING is impossible* (I can certainly vouch for that!).
“It’s kinda fun to do the impossible.”
-anon
“It always seems impossible…
until it get’s done.”
– Nelson Mandela
All our dreams can come true, if we have the courage to pursue them.”
– Walt Disney
“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable and
receives the impossible.”
– Corrie Ten Boom
Always remember,
God’s dreams are far bigger than you could have imagined yourself.
Just TRUST God, the Essence of Life, the Ground of Our Being, Ultimate Source and enjoy the journey towards your dreams. Absolutely NOTHING is impossible. Just BELIEVE in your dream.
You CAN do ANYTHING with God’s help (just live in an attitude of dependence) and your individual journeys can be used to honour the infinite love of our Creator.
So how about doing something about following your passion and pursuing your dream TODAY?
Shared by Craig Lock (“Information and Inspiration Distributer, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)
LIVE the dream
“Life is about finding, then following the dream… and
one’s dream/vision comes to reality through believing in
yourself, making the commitment and then creating it.”
– craig 2003
“A man (OOPS, or woman) without a dream is destined never to fulfil his or her full potential in life. Never give up on your dream…
but take time to smell the flowers on your very individual journey.’ Be yourself and daily count your blessings;
then try to make a difference in the world – however small.
Try to shine your own little ray of sunshine to make the lives of others easier in some small way.
You can derive the greatest pleasure from treading the wildest uncertain path down the ‘river of life…
and just being you.”
“Our talents are our gifts from God…
but what we do with them are our gifts TO God.”
PPS: Thank you sincerely, Drs Wilkinson and Schuller for sharing your insights and wisdom in encouraging me down my ‘untrodden path’, as I follow my dreams; but most of all, for serving as a vessel to illuminate God’s unlimited love for all of us, His children.
LOVE is the greatest and most powerful force in the world;
so shine your own unique bright light on an often darkened world …in a spirit of living at the highest level of humanity.
“When the world is filled with love, people’s hearts are overflowing with hope.”
– craig
About the submitter:
In his life mission Craig hopes to help, encourage, motivate, uplift and perhaps even inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials. His dream is seeing people finding, striving for the “seemingly impossible” and one day perhaps even realising their personal goals and dreams having great FUN along the magical journey of life
http://members.tripod.com/~lock77/www.craiglockbooks.com and www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html
The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005Z6BFX0
http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
C
The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at www.anewdawnbook.wordpress.com
www.newbooksbycraig.wordpress.com
www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com
www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com http://religiousunity.wordpress.com
www.peacepursuit.wordpress.comhttp://craigsblogs.wordpress.com + so many others I can’t keep track (obsessive or WHAT!)
“We have it all within, but we get from without, the Ultimate Source.”
– craig
THIS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED (with acknowledgment to Dr Schuller and Dr Bruce Wilkinson, please)
“What we learn in the darkness…
we are to share in the eternal light.”
we are to share in the eternal light.”
WHO IS "THE REAL, THE TRUE, THE LIVING" JESUS? 
You must be logged in to post a comment.