Sharing Some Uplifting Thoughts (Thought Conditioners) from Dr Norman Vincent Peale

Article Title: Sharing Some Uplifting Thoughts (Thought Conditioners) from Dr Norman Vincent Peale

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words/Tags): Self help, self help books, Norman Vincent Peale, Christianity, faith, hope, persistence, trials, words of upliftment and inspiration , Inspirational Quotes, books, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, Jesus, Jesus Christ, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment (enough there now, craig)

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/s/ref=la_B005GGMAW4_sr?rh=i%3Abooks&field-author=Craig+Lock http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at http://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 piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

SHARING SOME UPLIFTING THOUGHTS from DR NORMAN VINCENT PEALE (to Give Comfort, Strength and Peace of Mind in Times of Trial and Struggle)

Submitters Note:

These are some notes that I wrote down many years ago in a very dark period of my life . . . a time of prolonged great hardship in a seemingly impossibly difficult situation, which I’m “passing on”. (I think they were from Norman Vincent Peace, the author of the Power of Positive Thinking). Yes, on checking my notes these words from Dr Peale’s ‘Self Help Book’ of Thought Conditioners (from the Bible) served to sustain and encourage me to “hang in there” with hope, faith and persistence. And I hope they may do the same for you . . . whatever situation you may find yourself in.

Hope these thoughts are not “too heavy-heavy religious” for you.

The light of God will be with you on the path up ahead.

*

Christianity has its roots in the mystery of eternal life. This faith is a way of understanding the unknowable. Wanted to understand the cycle of life, death and rebirth.

However, one has to be a believer to “get into different levels of understanding”… which is achieved through the immense power of faith.

“If ye have faith as a grain of mustard seed…nothing shall be impossible to you . . . ”

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.290

“If God be for us, who can be against us?” – Romans viii.31

(and you may as well be too!!!)

Simply affirm:” God is with me in this situation; God is helping me; God is guiding me.

Remind yourself that God is with you and nothing can defeat you. BELIEVE that you now receive power from Him.

“Let nothing disturb you. Let nothing frighten you. Everything passes away except God. God alone is sufficient.”

Thomas Carlyle: “Silence is the element in which great things fashion themselves.”

“

I was in a situation where I had to make a decision: an intellectual, rational one (of the mind), or that of some kind of spiritual discipline and faith. The first (selling Sky subscriptions) one was easy, the second, the writing path) hard. The first is about ego, the second about the battle inside you that gives life meaning.

I chose the hardest path – it was like having wings. I wanted to look at everything another way.

It’s no specific faith. It could be any religion – it’s a deep belief in God, the human spirit.” – the words of Ingrid Betancourt (Colombian hostage)

Faith is a choice It’s a decision It’s a commitment

“The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:16,17

MATTHEW: “You are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” *

LIFE’S PROBLEMS

1. Believe, really believe, that for every problem, there is a solution (and very often it’s a spiritual one).

2. Keep calm. Tension blocks the flow of thought power. Your brain cannot operate efficiently under too much stress.

3. Don’t try to force an answer. Keep the mind relaxed and the solution will become clear. List the facts of the problem on paper – be objective, so that your problem does not become subjective.

Be patient waiting for an answer, a solution …which comes via the subconscious mind

6. Pray about your problem, affirming that God will flash illumination into your mind. Believe God’s promise in the 73rd Psalm: “Thou wilt guide thee by thou counsel.”

7. Trust fully in the faculty of insight and intuition.

Go to church (and/or meditate) and let your subconscious work on the problem.

There is always a close connection between how a man thinks and how he feels. In addition, there is impressive evidence to support the view that God works through both the practitioner of science, the doctor, and the practitioner of faith, the minister (mind-body relationship). The answer is in the healing teachings of Jesus.

“Be still and know that I am God.” – Psalm XVI.10

“In him we live and move and have our being.” – Acts xvii.28

By faith you place yourself in the flow of divine power.

William James: “The greatest discovery of my generation is that human beings can alter their lives by altering their attitudes of mind.” As you think, so shall you be. fill your mind with fresh new creative thoughts of faith, love and goodness.”

1. Don’t get the idea that you are Atlas carrying the world on your shoulders. Don’t strain so hard. Don’t take yourself so seriously.

2. Determine to like your work. Change yourself and your work will seem different.

3. Plan your work and work your plan.

4. Don’t try to do everything at once: “This one thing I do.”

5. Get the right mental attitude.

6. Practice being relaxed – take it all in your stride.

William James: “One of the deepest drives of human nature is the desire to be appreciated.”

“If it be possible, as much as lieth in you, live peacably with all men.’ – Romans xii.18

It is not advisable to attempt to carry the burden of sorrow and mental pain without Divine help; for it’s weight is more than the personality can bear. There is always the soothing presence of God at hand.

“Eye has not seen, nor ear heard, neither have entered into the heart of man, the things which God hath prepared for them that love Him.” – I Corinthians ii.9

Socrates: “No evil can befall a good man in this life or in the next.”

* State your problem

* Ask for a specific answer. Believe that you are getting that answer. BELIEVE, really believe that now through God’s help, you are gaining power over that difficulty.

Higher Power/Authority

If there is deep desire, intensity of longing, and a reaching out after the Power, it will be given.

We may never meet in person, but in this book we have met. We are spiritual friends. I pray for you, God will help you – so believe and live successfully.

Jesus Christ: “I am come that they might have life, and that they might have it more abundantly.” John X 10.

*

PRAYER

Prayer helps people to tap forces and to utilise strength not otherwise available.

A famous psychologist once said these wise words: “Prayer is the greatest power available to the individual in solving his personal problems. It’s power astonishes me.” Release of spiritual energy through prayer. It releases and keeps power flowing freely.

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark xi.24

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

Hard work, positive thinking, fair dealing, right treatment of people, and the proper kind of praying always gets results. Formula: * Prayerise + * Picturise + * Actualise

The Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke xvii.21

Prayer is the mightiest power in the world. Every day is good if you pray.

Always accept willingness to accept God’s will in your life. Ask for what you want; but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

Prayer: I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right turn of the road.

I believe God will always make a way when there is no way.

A P R P B W P R A: Affirmative prayers release powers by which positive results are accomplished. PEACEWORK

Prayer helps people to tap forces and to utilise strength not otherwise available.

A famous psychologist once said these wise words: “Prayer is the greatest power available to the individual in solving his personal problems. It’s power astonishes me.” Release of spiritual energy through prayer. It releases and keeps power flowing freely.

“According to your faith, be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29

“What things soever ye desire, when ye pray, believe that ye receive them, and ye shall have them.” – Mark xi.24

Faith and harmony are important factors in the prayer process.

Hard work, positive thinking, fair dealing, right treatment of people, and the proper kind of praying always gets results. Formula: * Prayerise + * Picturise + * Actualise

“The Kingdom of God is within you.” – Luke xvii.21

Prayer is the mightiest power in the world. Every day is good if you pray.

Always accept willingness to accept God’s will in your life. Ask for what you want; but be willing to take what God gives you. It may be better than what you ask for.

Prayer: I believe I am always divinely guided I believe I will always take the right turn of the road.

I believe God will always make a way when there is no way.

A P R P B W P R A: Affirmative prayers release powers by which positive results are accomplished.

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you.” – John xiv.27

“Come ye yourselves apart into a desert place, and rest awhile.” – Mark vi.31

Discipline ourselves to quietness. Slow down, quiet down. do not fume, do not fret, practise being peaceful.

“The peace of God which passeth all understanding.” – Philippians ix.7

Life can get muddled, but muddied water, let stand, will become clear.” – Lao-tse

Practise serenity

Affirm: “God is here and his peace is touching me.”

“Come unto me, all that labour and are heavy laden, and I will give you rest.” Matthew xi.28

“Peace I leave with you, my peace I give unto you: not as the world giveth, give I unto you. Let not your heart be troubled, neither let it be afraid.” – John xiv.27

“Thou wilt keep him in perfect peace, whose mind is stayed on thee.” – Isaiah xxvi.3

Tranquillity – the very word denotes a sense of peace.

So long thy power hath kept me, sure it STILL will lead me on. Send into the area of your thinking a healing balm.

With God’s help I am now emptying my mind of all fear, all anxiety, all insecurity. Repeat. Picture all worry thoughts flowing out of you.

I place this day, my life, my loved ones in the Lord’s hands.

“… but this one thing I do, forgetting those things which are behind, and reaching forth unto those things which are before, I press towards the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.” – Philippians iii.13-14

Mark in your Bible every passage that speaks of faith, hope, happiness, glory and radiance. Commit each to memory.

When Jesus Christ was born He was called Immanuel, meaning God with us.

* PRAYER

EXPECT THE BEST AND GET IT

“If thou can’st believe, all things are possible to him that believeth.” – Mark IX 23

Whatever you believe you can do, you can do, with God’s help. When you put your trust in God, he guides your mind so that you do not want things that are not good for you, or that are inharmonious with God’s will. When you learn to believe, then that which has seemingly been impossible moves into the area/becomes possible. When you expect the best, you release a magnetic force in your mind, which by a law of attraction tends to bring the best to you.

Faith moves mountains: Faith, belief, positive thinking, faith in God, faith in other people, faith in yourself, faith in life.

Freed from self doubt, you can put your whole self into your endeavour, and nothing can stand in the way of the man or woman, who focuses their entire self on a problem. Expect to succeed and you WILL.

“Throw your heart over the bar and your body will follow.”

Expect the best, not the worst, and you will attain your heart’s desire. It is what is in the heart of you, either good or bad, weak or strong, that finally comes to you. Emerson: “Beware of what you want, for you will get it.” faith power works wonders.

Have faith in God. “For verily I say unto you, that whosoever shall say unto this mountain, be thou removed and be thou cast into the sea.”

– Mark 11

“But shall believe that those things which he saith shall come to pass; he shall have whatsoever he saith.” – Mark XI. 22-23

Be specific. Ask God for any right thing, but as a little child, don’t doubt…NEVER.

* STRENGTH

“I can do all things through Christ which strengtheneth me.”

– Phillipians iv.13

“Mighty oaks from little acorns grow.”

“A clean mind, as a clean engine, always delivers power.”

A fundamental doctrine of Emerson: the human personality can be touched with Divine Power and thus greatness can be released from it.

“The greatest factor in any undertaking is one’s belief about it.”

– William James

Thoreau: the secret of achievement is to hold a picture of a successful outcome in mind.

Jefferson: “Take the smooth handle”…ie. follow the path of least resistance.

RELAX. Affirm the thought that God is filling us with strength and quiet energy. Get yourself in tune with Him and open yourself to the flow of His power.

Give your job all you’ve got, but in a relaxed manner.

“According to your faith be it unto you.” – Matthew ix.29 is a basic law for successful living.

“The just shall live by faith – Romans 1:16,17

“YOU are the light of the world. A city that is set on a hill cannot be hidden.” – Matthew

“But they that wait upon the Lord shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings like eagles; they shall run and not be weary; and they shall walk and not faint.” – Isaiah 40.28-31.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

PPS

For more of my writings on Dr NV Peale see

https://www.google.co.nz/#q=%22craig+lock+%2B+nv+peale%22

and

https://www.google.co.nz/#q=%22craig+lock+%2B+peale%22

enjoy

About the submitter:

In his life mission Craig hopes to encourage, motivate and inspire people to be their best through realising their full potentials and live their very best lives. Craig believes in the great potential of every human being in the journey of life and loves to encourage people to share their individual (and guiding) spirits, so that they become all that they are CAPABLE of being.

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 http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and http://goo.gl/vTpjk

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Groucho Marx)

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

“What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.”

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

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

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

– craig

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

craig 11/11

from http://godandformula1.wordpress.com/2013/07/08/on-the-podium-after-the-greatest-race/

and The Chequered Flag
Available at http://www.amazon.co.uk/THE-CHEQUERED-FLAG-GREATEST-ebook/dp/B0064R6D36

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

Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Sharing Some Spiritual Thoughts from Oprah Winfrey

Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Article Title: Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Faith, inspirational quotes, books, new books, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, Jesus, Jesus Christ, peace, pursuit of peace, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment

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

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

The submitter’s blog (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 piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

SHARING A FEW NEW SPIRITUAL “TORTS” ON FAITH (PART ONE)

These are some notes (in point form) on “airey-fairey spiritual matters” and on faith, many from from authors unknown, that I’ve collected* and jotted down over the years in my little “Spiritual” note books. I have also included a few miscellaneous (big word that) thoughts on other matters, like writing and South Africa (still “the beloved country” – at least to me!). Hope these words may be as encouraging, uplifting, empowering…and perhaps even “inspiring” to you as they are to me. So am sharing. Enjoy

* instead of stamps or bottle-tops *

Unity in diversity

Unity in truth

Find unity in a common search for truth.

“All rivers eventually reach the ocean.”

“Faith is the trigger that releases divine power”

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” -Emmett Fox

My journey has enlarged Job’s concept of God

Tackle some new exciting possibilities…TODAY!

The most valuable gift is invention. Your imagination is your greatest wealth (treasure)

God’s Providence is my inheritance

* “My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”

– Gandhi (again)

Fill me with knowledge of YOUR will. Show (reveal to) me YOUR Honour and Glory

Make God, the Creator of the Universe as BIG as you can possibly conceive.

“Edwin Markham + circle quote”

We need a monitored long term truce

South Africans extraordinary sense of humour * generosity * kindness * humour and * freedom

The first key to writing is simply to write. 1st draft: write from the heart 2nd draft: write from the head

Hope is irresistable

God, the Mystery of Life

Use my past to change other people’s futures. “From mess to message.”

My life is now built on something completely different and not on what I feel.

*

The hand of God is on the ground helping people

God’s strategy is people – working in and through US.

Working with God: * God’s plans * God’s agenda * His energy

Helen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

Books are the fruits of our experiences. SHOW rather than tell. God has already given us all that we need to succeed.

Don’t talk to God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big God is. Brings honour and glory to Him (through divine power)

Joel Osteen (Texan preacher): You WILL overcome obstacles. God knows how to get you to your final destination

From success to significance

“Bend the arc of history toward you”???

Show me Your Glory

Lord, Reveal knowledge of Your will

Every choice has a consequence

With faith and the political will there IS a solution to every problem. Each ONE of us can play some part in encouraging that process.

I WILL write stories (true) of hope, forgiveness, faith and renewal. 30/08/2010

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

Don’t limit God. Make GOD as BIG as you can.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Forgiveness

“With forgiveness comes atonement”

A voice of hope, faith, forgiveness and renewal.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a decision, a commitment, a state of mind. Book ‘No Enemy to Conquer’ by Michael Henderson

Give us forgiveness for the past, strength for today and hope for the future

the bright morning star (Rev 22:16)

He’s not the brightest spark on the chandelier!

“I was (stuck) in the wilderness of life.”

Hope is the anchor of the soul.

“The time of the singing of the birds has come,”

Religion is reaching out to God; whereas Christianity is God reaching out to us.”

God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find our own truths.

Develop the conquering spirit of a champion.

God responds to desperation.

“I don’t believe in God. I know God.” – David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

Insight doesn’t come from the natural mind.

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” – Emmet Fox

May you all see God’s brilliant light on the path (road) up ahead

Together, you and I, let’s march together into a bright new future (tomorrow)

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

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 journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

The various books that craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 http://goo.gl/vTpjk

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

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”)

“Let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

– me

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

– craig

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

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

My Notes from the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott: “Who on Earth is Jesus Christ” (Part One)

Magnificent East Coast sunrise by Ngaio Keelan in the “scenic and tranquil little haven” that is New Zealand (or ‘Godzone’, as it is often affectionately known)

Credit: www.ngatipics.com

Article Title: My Notes from the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott: “Who on Earth is Jesus Christ” (Part One)

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (Key Words/Tags): Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Thoughts on Jesus, Spiritual Growth, Faith, Empowerment, Transformation, Inspiration, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth,
Spiritual Writings, Awareness, God

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

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

(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 and may be freely published)

Publishing Guidelines:

These thoughts in point-form (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

*

“WHO ON EARTH IS JESUS CHRIST?” (PART ONE)

Submitter’s Note:

A Summary of the Book ‘Basic Christianity’ by John Stott (Published by Inter-Varsity Press, UK (First edition 1958)

I took these brief notes from the above book – a most illuminating, revealing and enlightening read on the life and person of Jesus Christ). Incidentally, this book (and others by John Stott) is available for download (PDF) at http://www.pdflibrary.info/en/ebook/Basic%20Christianity%20John%20Stott-1.html

Here are some of my notes (in point form) from this “easy to read” book by John Stott,that I am currently reading and “studying”. And as I share, I learn more too. No matter what you may know or believe (or not believe) about this most significant (and controversial) figure in human history. Anyway enjoy…

THE CHARACTER OF CHRIST

He hated hypocrisy in others and always demonstrated utmost sincerity. And most importantly, his character appears to support his claims. He does appear to be who he said he was – with no discrepancy between his words and deeds. In short, his character was unique. If he was sinless, he was distinct from us, supernatural. He was “the light of the world.” And “born to be their Saviour”, the “bread of life” to the hungry in spirit. He possessed a keen moral judgment: “He knew what was in man.”

What Christ himself thought

Jesus stated directly that he was without sin. He lived a life of perfect obedience to his Father’s will (“I always do what is pleasing to Him”). It is clear that Jesus believed himself to be sinless, as he believed himself to be the Messiah and the ‘Son of God’.

What Christ’s friends said about him

They too said that he was without sin. “All we like sheep, have gone astray.”

He believed ardently in what he taught (though his doctrine was unpopular to the masses), but he was not a fanatic (though perhaps a bit “zealously eccentric”). Still… and most importantly, there is as much evidence for his humanity as his divinity. He gets tired, needs to sleep, eat and drink, like other men. And vitally, he experiences, fully, the human emotions of love and anger, joy and sorrow. He is fully human; yet he is no mere man!

Above all, Christ was unselfish. In thought he put himself first: in deed last. He exhibited both the greatest self-esteem and the greatest self sacrifice. In Him the Lord became servant..

He said he was going to judge the world; yet he washed the apostles feet.

Christ demonstrated complete self mastery, self control (he never retaliated, when provoked). In his life: “I seek not my own will, my own glory.”

There is no self interest in love. The essence of love is self sacrifice.

Jesus was sinless, because he was selfless. Such selflessness is love. And God is LOVE.

*

CHAPTER FOUR: THE RESURRECTION OF CHRIST

The disciples were changed.

It was the resurrection that transformed Peter’s fear into courage, James’ doubt into faith… and Paul, the fanatical Pharisee and persecuter of Christians into Paul, the greatest apostle for Christianity.

A few final thoughts on Jesus Christ and why he came to live on earth (as a human being). Jesus came to restore our relationship with God. Also to seek and save the lost as we have all been at some time in our lives.

“Lord

Let me be a channel for YOUR peace, a window for Your light to shine through to everyone I meet.

Lord, touch me where I need the touch the most.

Let more people experience the REAL YOU, Who You really are.
God, Use my ‘little’ life as a focus for YOUR infinite possibilities.”

Shared by craig (with gratitude to John Stott)

(“Information an Inspiration Distributor, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith sees the invisible,
follows the unfathomable…
and achieves the impossible.”

“I’d rather attempt something great and fail, than attempt nothing and succeed.”
– Dr Norman Vincent Peale

About the submitter:
Craig 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 too airey-fairey, arty-farty, goody-goody boring two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one and
anyway, they may be different colours!)
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

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

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!

(Come on now, craig. Where is your faith!)

Craig’s novel ‘The Awakened Spirit’ is based on some true stories from the ‘beloved country’ of South Africa. Inspiring stories of endless possibilities of the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us.

The submitter is currently writing his own “work” (a “real labour of love and enlightenment” (to himself) titled ‘WHO ON EARTH IS (WAS) JESUS CHRIST?’
and is posting extracts on his new blog at www.basichristianityfordummies.wordpress.com

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

www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.comwww.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com

www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.comhttp://religiousunity.wordpress.com

www.peacepursuit.wordpress.com and http://craigsblogs.wordpress.com

(obsessive or WHAT!)

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

 

“Let the light of your BEING shine brightly;

so revealing Who You Really Are.

Be a Bringer of the Light, which emanates from our
soul, God, our Creator, the Source, the Essence of Life (and Ground of our very Being).

Therefore, it can do more than illuminate your own path.

YOUR spirit will help makes the lives of others easier by illuminating others paths.

For this light is our humanity, the spirit of God, truth, wisdom, beauty and especially love…

and it lies within each one of us.

Through your actions and your being,
let your light, YOUR spirit truly shine brightly on the world,

like the radiance emitted by a candle at midnight.”

– craig (as adapted from Neale Donald Walsh in ‘Conversations with God’ Book 3).

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

These thoughts may be freely published

PPS

“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

May the light of God brightly light your path up ahead

A Book “Review”: Basic Christianity’ by John Stott

Article Title: A Book “Review”: Basic Christianity’ by John Stott
Shared by: Craig Lock
Category (Key Words/Tags): Christianity, Jesus, Jesus Christ, Thoughts on Jesus, Spiritual Growth, Faith, Empowerment, Transformation, Inspiration, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Writings, Awareness, God

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html and https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

The submitter’s blogs (with extracts from his various writings: articles, books and new manuscripts) are at https://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=981http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig and may be freely published)

Publishing Guidelines: These thoughts in point-form (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

*

Submitter’s Note:

The Book ‘Basic Christianity‘ by John Stott

(Published by Inter-Varsity Press, UK (First edition 1958)

I took these notes from the above book – a most illuminating, revealing and enlightening read on the life and person of Jesus Christ). Incidentally, this book (and others by John Stott) is available for download (PDF) at http://www.pdflibrary.info/en/ebook/Basic%20Christianity%20John%20Stott-…

Here are some of my notes (in point form) from this “easy to read” book by John Stott,that I am currently reading and “studying”. And as I share, I learn more too. No matter what you may know or believe about this most significant (and controversial) figure in human history. Anyway enjoy…

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

“WHO ON EARTH IS JESUS CHRIST?”

NEW REVELATIONS

We can find God in Jesus Christ. God is himself seeking us and we must ourselves seek God.

1 THE RIGHT APPROACH

Before man stirs himself to seek God, God has sought man. In the Bible we see God reaching out to man. It’s an invitation.

Redemption in Christ

Men needed to be delivered, not from slavery in Egypt or from exile in Babylon, but from the exile and slavery of sin. It was for this principally that Jesus Christ came. He came as a Saviour.

“…you shall call his name Jesus, for he will save his people from their sins.”

“Christ Jesus came into the world to save sinners.”

“For the Son of Man came to seek and save the lost”

In essence, Christianity is a religion of salvation.

(My comment:

Jesus never claimed directly to forgive sins, which is one of the fundamental beliefs of Christianity (though other disciples, such as John, famously said in 3:16 and Paul in 1 Corinthians sincerely believed and wrote that he did)…

though personally I CHOOSE to believe that.)

Christ’s promise is plain: “Seek and you will find.”

God desires to be found, but only by those who seek him.

We must seek diligently, humbly and obediently.

*

PART ONE CHRIST’S PERSON

The Claims of Christ

“He who has seen me has seen the Father.”

The person and work of Christ are the rock upon which the Christian religion is built.

His self-centred teaching

He was constantly talking about himself.

“I am the truth; follow me.”

He uttered commands, such as: ‘Come to me” and “Follow me!”

The most remarkable aspect of this self-centred teaching is that it was uttered by one, who insisted on humility in others.

(“If The Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”

– an anonymous wife,)

*

Jesus’s Direct Claims

He clearly believed himself to be the Messiah the Old Testament predicted (‘Son of God’). He had come to establish the kingdom of God foretold by generations of prophets.

His claim to be the ‘Son of God’ was more than Messianic – it described his unique, intimate and eternal* relationship with God, the Father.

(My comment: We are what we believe ourselves to be. We “act out” and become what we believe about ourselves, who we think we are…and move in the direction of our most dominant thoughts, ie. what we focus on expands – this is in alignment (perfect) with psychological (and spiritual) principles. “As a man thinketh, in his heart, so is he.”)

* One of the most far-reaching claims he ever made was: “Truly, truly, I say to you, before Abraham was, I am.”

“My Father is working still, and I am working.”

“I and the Father are one.”

“I am in the Father and the Father in me.”

(from John’s Gospel)

“All things have been delivered to me by my Father; and no one knows the Son except the Father, and no one knows the Father except the Son and any one to whom the Son chooses to reveal him.”

– Matthew 11:27s

Thus

to know him was to know God;

to see him was to see God;

to believe in him was to believe in God;

to receive him was to receive God:

to hate him was to hate God;

to honour him was to honour God.

After the resurrection, Jesus rebuked Thomas for his unbelief and invited him to feel his wounds. Then Thomas, overwhelmed with wonder, cried out, ‘My Lord and my God!”

*

His Indirect Claims

1. To forgive sins: “My son, your sins are forgiven.”… and

“Your sins are forgiven. Go and sin no more.”

However, the sins we commit against God can only be forgiven by God Himself!

2. Christ’s second indirect claim was to bestow life.

He described himself as the “bread of life”, “the life” and “the resurrection and the life.” Jesus likened his followers dependence on him to the sustenance derived from the vine by its branches. He called himself the “Good Shepherd”, who would not only give his life for the sheep; but give life to them. He stated that God had given him authority over all flesh, that he should give life to as many as God gave him, and declared, “the Son gives life to whom he will.”

3. Christ’s third indirect claim was to teach the truth.

His authority – an authority he claimed as his own: “No one ever spoke like this man.”

He issued absolute moral commands like:

“Love your enemies.”

“Do not be anxious about tomorrow.”

“Judge not, that you be not judged.”

“ASK and it will be given you.”

4. Jesus’s fourth indirect claim was to judge the world.

Those who have denied him, he will deny. (“I never knew you”)

*

His Dramatized Claims:

His works dramatize his words. He practiced what he preached and lived his message.

His metaphors (powerful):

“I am the bread of life.”

“I am the light of the world.”

“I am the resurrection and the life.”

Conclusion:

These claims do not in themselves constitute evidence of deity. Still we cannot regard Jesus as merely, simply as a great teacher..

Jesus had a “uniquely special and intimate” relationship with God, the Father and totally surrendered his life to God’s will (fully depending on God, “the Father”, Ultimate Source to achieve his life mission*

… and so can WE!

Shared by craig (with gratitude to John Stott)

(“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Writer for Self Empowerment, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

As John Shelby Spong, former archbishop of Newark (very controversial in Christian circles) wrote in his book ‘Jesus for the Non Religious’:

“The real Jesus is the figure, the world, humanity needs today to lead it back to the ‘God experience’, on which Christianity was originally built.”

 

* Make YOUR life a mission…

and not an intermission!

“Lord

Let me be a channel for YOUR peace, a window for Your light to shine through to everyone I meet. Lord, touch me where I need the touch the most. Let more people experience the REAL YOU, Who You really are.”

“Faith sees the invisible,
follows the unfathomable…
and achieves the impossible.”

“I’d rather attempt something great and fail, than attempt nothing and succeed.”
– Norman Vincent Peale

About the submitter:
Craig 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 too airey-fairey, arty-farty, goody-goody boring two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one and anyway, they may be different colours!)
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including his books on Jesus and his numerous e-books on “the spiritual journey”) are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.htmland https://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

Craig’s novel ‘The Awakened Spirit’ is based on some true stories from the ‘beloved country’ of South Africa. Inspiring stories of endless possibilities of the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us.

The submitter is currently writing his own “work” (a “real labour of love and enlightenment” (to himself) titled ‘WHO ON EARTH IS (WAS) JESUS CHRIST?’

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS “God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He (??) is understandable.”

May the light of God light your path up ahead

Sharing A Few Thoughts On Spirituality From My Notes (Collected Over The Years – Part Three)

Article Title: Sharing A Few Thoughts On Spirituality From My Notes (Collected Over The Years – Part Three)
Submitted by: Craig Lock
Category (Key Words/Tags): Inspiration, Empowerment, Spirituality, Spiritual Growth, Spiritual Writings, Awareness, God, Thoughts on God, Success, Success Principles, Positive Thinking, Mind, Mind-power.

Web Site: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4

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

Publishing Guidelines:

These thoughts in point-form (as with all my articles) may be freely published, electronically or in print.

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

* *
Sharing a Few Thoughts on Spirituality from my Notes

(collected over the years – Part Three)

INTRODUCTORY COMMENTS:

These notes form part of a new manuscript, which I may name ‘A DUMMIES GUIDE TO SPIRITUALITY: HOW TO KNOW and EXPERIENCE GOD’

These are some of the notes (in point form) that I’ve made and collected (instead of stamps and bottle-tops) over the years (some from authors and sources unknown), which may be of interest and get you “tinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”. In sharing these notes, it clarifies my thinking about the ‘overlap’ between the subconscious mind and the concept of a “Higher Being in another dimension”, etc.). If you want to replace the word ‘God’ mentioned so often with ‘Life’, that’s great! Hope it’s not too “heavy heavy” and that these thoughts may be helpful, ‘thought-provoking’ and perhaps even inspirational to you in your spiritual growth.
*
The opposite of love is not hate, but indifference.
“To remain indifferent to suffering is the greatest sin of all.”
– Elie Wiesel, Buchenwald concentration camp survivor

Everything happens for a reason – spiritual growth???. Everything happens to give meaning and purpose in our lives, for ‘Divine Good’.??? We are born to create. We can be ‘victims of change’ or ‘creators of change’. “T’is better to light a candle, than curse the darkness.”

Life is a miracle. “What looks dead is given promise in life, when we trust in God.”

Touch people in their heart to change.
Listen to your conscience, “the still quiet voice within”, the “voice of the spirit”.

*
The Person of Jesus:

Related to all societies and peoples. The life-changing power of Jesus Christ. Expand our hearts. Jesus in not just a figure, a story from history. What we can learn, these simplest principles can change lives… for the better.
Nobody had better insight into the human personality than Jesus.

Jesus’s limitless generosity of spirit. Like Nelson Mandela and many other great lives, you can make the rest of your life a noble tribute to humanity. Nelson Mandela shone a light of liberation for South Africa.
“My mission is embracing the wounds of my country…”

Jesus entered into a new form of existence through His wealth of spirit. Christ is a beacon, the “anchor of our faith“.

“And you shall know the truth and the truth shall set you free.”
– John 8:32
*

I was disillusioned, having arrived at a destination, but not knowing where. I was satiated, yet unsatisfied.”
Peter Pollock, evangelist and former South African cricketer

Your belief creates your truth. You will become what you believe (about yourself). So your belief becomes your truth.
Negative thoughts produce negative results.

“All that we are is a result of what we have thought. The mind is everything. What we think we become.”
– Buddha

Passion + zeal produces ACTION.

We need to capture, then ignite the public consciousness.

“Why good things happen to good people”

But then…
“Where was God in the holocaust?”

“But where was man?”

“The light of a lamp spreads everywhere – same as vibrations of a sage.”

“Do something beautiful for God.”
– Mother Teresa

Hardship brings you close to God, if you let Him. A ‘resilience of spirit’.

About the submitter:
Craig 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 too airey-fairey, arty-farty, goody-goody boring two shoes” (as he’s lost the other one!)
http://www.selfgrowth.com/experts/craig_lock.html http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including The Awakened Spirit) are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

Craig is presently “working” on his latest novel ‘The Awakened Spirit’, based on some true stories from the ‘beloved country’ of South Africa. Inspiring stories of endless possibilities of the indomitable human spirit, that lies within each one of us.

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

“Change YOUR world and you change THE world.
Together, one mind, one soul, one life at a time, let’s encourage, impact, uplift and perhaps even inspire the world.”

End of Part Three

THESE THOUGHTS PIECE MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

* “If the Lord makes you successful, I’ll keep you humble.”
– a wife (I won’t say whose!)

“God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

– craig

May the light of God light your path up ahead

Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

Article Title: Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Faith, inspirational quotes, books, new books, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, Jesus, Jesus Christ, peace, pursuit of peace, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment

Web sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html
The submitter’s blog (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 piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

SHARING A FEW NEW SPIRITUAL “TORTS” ON FAITH (PART ONE)

These are some notes (in point form) on “airey-fairey spiritual matters” and on faith, many from from authors unknown, that I’ve collected* and jotted down over the years in my little “Spiritual” note books. I have also included a few miscellaneous (big word that) thoughts on other matters, like writing and South Africa (still “the beloved country” – at least to me!). Hope these words may be as encouraging, uplifting, empowering…and perhaps even “inspiring” to you as they are to me. So am sharing. Enjoy

* instead of stamps or bottle-tops *

Unity in diversity

Unity in truth

Find unity in a common search for truth.

“All rivers eventually reach the ocean.”

“Faith is the trigger that releases divine power”

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” -Emmett Fox

My journey has enlarged Job’s concept of God

Tackle some new exciting possibilities…TODAY!

The most valuable gift is invention. Your imagination is your greatest wealth (treasure)

God’s Providence is my inheritance

* “My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”

– Gandhi (again)

Fill me with knowledge of YOUR will. Show (reveal to) me YOUR Honour and Glory

Make God, the Creator of the Universe as BIG as you can possibly conceive.

“Edwin Markham + circle quote”

We need a monitored long term truce

South Africans extraordinary sense of humour * generosity * kindness * humour and * freedom

The first key to writing is simply to write. 1st draft: write from the heart 2nd draft: write from the head

Hope is irresistable

God, the Mystery of Life

Use my past to change other people’s futures. “From mess to message.”

My life is now built on something completely different and not on what I feel.

*

The hand of God is on the ground helping people

God’s strategy is people – working in and through US.

Working with God: * God’s plans * God’s agenda * His energy

Helen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

Books are the fruits of our experiences. SHOW rather than tell. God has already given us all that we need to succeed.

Don’t talk to God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big God is. Brings honour and glory to Him (through divine power)

Joel Osteen (Texan preacher): You WILL overcome obstacles. God knows how to get you to your final destination

From success to significance

“Bend the arc of history toward you”???

Show me Your Glory

Lord, Reveal knowledge of Your will

Every choice has a consequence

With faith and the political will there IS a solution to every problem. Each ONE of us can play some part in encouraging that process.

I WILL write stories (true) of hope, forgiveness, faith and renewal. 30/08/2010

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

Don’t limit God. Make GOD as BIG as you can.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Forgiveness

“With forgiveness comes atonement”

A voice of hope, faith, forgiveness and renewal.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a decision, a commitment, a state of mind. Book ‘No Enemy to Conquer’ by Michael Henderson

Give us forgiveness for the past, strength for today and hope for the future

the bright morning star (Rev 22:16)

He’s not the brightest spark on the chandelier!

“I was (stuck) in the wilderness of life.”

Hope is the anchor of the soul.

“The time of the singing of the birds has come,”

Religion is reaching out to God; whereas Christianity is God reaching out to us.”

God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find our own truths.

Develop the conquering spirit of a champion.

God responds to desperation.

“I don’t believe in God. I know God.” – David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

Insight doesn’t come from the natural mind.

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” – Emmet Fox

May you all see God’s brilliant light on the path (road) up ahead

Together, you and I, let’s march together into a bright new future (tomorrow)

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

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 journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

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

http://goo.gl/vTpjkand http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”)

“Let not our different beliefs set us apart as human beings, but rather let our shared humanity be what defines and unites us as common citizens of our planet.”

– me

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

God is a mystery, the ‘mystery of life’, a Creative Presence, Who/That allows me to be who I really want to be and become.”

“God, the Essence of Life, is the great mystery in the vast unknown; yet He(??) is understandable.”

“God, The Essence of Life, the Ground of All Being, is leading us to the light.

What we learn in the darkness, we are to share in the eternal light.

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

– craig

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

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

Sharing Some Empowering and Uplifting Thoughts from my Notes (from the brand new e-book THE WINNING WAY)

Article Title: Sharing Some Empowering and Uplifting Thoughts from my Notes (from the brand new e-book THE WINNING WAY)

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words): Inspirational Quotes, Books, new books, The Winning Way, mind, mind-power, spiritual, spiritual writings, spiritual growth, inspiration, empowerment, words of empowerment

The submitter’s web sites are at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 and http://www.creativekiwis.com/amazon.html

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

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 piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

*

SHARING SOME EMPOWERING AND UPLIFTING THOUGHTS ( FROM THE WINNING WAY)

Submitter’s Note

These are some quotations and thoughts (some on “airey-fairey spiritual matters”), that I’ve collected* and “jotted down” on my computer. I’ll include them in my new book at Amazon, titled ‘The Winning Way’ at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WQSGEI. Hope these words may be as encouraging, uplifting, empowering…and perhaps even “inspiring” to you as they are to me. So am sharing. Enjoy

* instead of stamps or bottle-tops

#

The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete…it’s not victory but combat…not to have vanquished but to have fought well…not winning but taking part.”

― Pierre de Coubertin (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)

“Nothing inspires me more than than people who stand up and say,’ Yes, we can do anything. You don’t have to be special to achieve incredible things.”

Jessica Watson (Australian round-the-world sailor at age 17!)

The greatest mountain we need to climb lies in our our own minds”. It’s not the highest mountain that we conquer, but ourselves, our own mentality. Overcoming perceived limits to reach (attain) the pinnacle of our own minds.”

– craig (as inspired by the words of Sir Edmund Hillary, conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

True champions, like an Ayrton Senna, are able to find a new level (of performance) – when required, they have the ability to “dig deep” and find something very special inside themselves

‘The aim is to be in the Zone every time you get in the car. But that day Ayrton was somewhere else beyond the Zone…heaven”

– Lewis Hamilton

When (or perhaps if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”

– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts

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

– craig

“I want to write the way Gilles Villeneuve drove and power-slid his blood-red Formula One Ferrari… with wild enthusiasm and a sense of abandonment, combined with the artists craft of a Stirling Moss, a Jim Clark, and especially that of the great Ayrton Senna, living on the razor-blade edge of life.”

“I want to write the way Australian Super-car driver, Craig Lowndes drives and power-slides his powerful V8 Holden Super-car… with wild enthusiasm and a sense of abandonment, yet combined with the artists craft and smooth style of a Jamie Whincup (craig’s team-mate), a Stirling Moss, a Jim Clark, and especially that of the great Ayrton Senna, living on the razor-blade edge of life.”

(thanks Craig and Jamie, for the great pleasure you give me watching “you guys” race here “across the ditch” on TV)

for dearest mom and dad, your spirits lives on (forever)
thanks for all the support, encouragement and especially love

“All the world will be happier and better, when the men and women have the souls of artists,, like that of an Ayrton Senna.“

– craig (as inspired by Rodin’s famous words)

“They were like artists. What was envisioned in their minds happened on the pitch.”

– Barcelona coach Pep Guardiola on his teams spectacular performance in winning the recent world club championship

“I make art through using materials…and words are my tools.”

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”
– craig

“The Zone could simply be a gateway to the divine, one of God’s methods of reminding us of His – and our – glorious power. Omnipresence means that power must be everywhere, everytime. Including the racetracks. Including today.”

– Clyde Brolin writing in ‘Overdrive; Formula One in the Zone’

This is my favourite and sums up my message, my ‘little’ life…in trying to some small way break down barriers between peoples, societies and nations.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus

or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

This is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist and confidanteto Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology). (With my little additional few words in brackets)

from a great book by Clyde Brolin ‘Overdrive: Formula One in the Zone’

www.overdrivef1.com and http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/

“For me, God is a Creative Presence (far greater and deeper than my own consciousness). A Presence that I can experience on earth and allows me to be all that I am able to become.”

– craig

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already somehow know what you truly want to become.”

“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 them 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 short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in 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 know neither victory nor defeat.”

Theodore Roosevelt quotes (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858–1919)

The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete…it’s not victory but combat…not to have vanquished but to have fought well…not winning but taking part.”

― Pierre de Coubertin (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)

“Those who say it’s impossible, should stand aside and make way for those who say: ‘With the right will, commitment, dedication, persistence, courage and especially faith, one sunny day IT’ IS POSSIBLE’!
– craig

“You get to the stage when your almost looking down on yourself. When you get into that state, it’s the best state ever.”

– Stirling Moss

From http://www.overdrivef1.com/news.html

“The Zone could simply be a gateway to the divine, one of God’s methods of reminding us of His – and our – glorious power. Omnipresence means that power must be everywhere, everytime. Including the racetracks. Including today.”

– Clyde Brolin writing in Overdrive; Formula One in the Zone

This is my favourite and sums up my message, my life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

This is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology). (With my little additional few words in brackets)

“As we live and move and have our being, so from this vision, we create heaven in our own lives… and perhaps even heaven on earth.”

– craig (as inspired by Acts 17:28 and the words of Felicia Searcy)

“Art is at the highest reach of one’s creative imagination.”

“Your only limits are your own imagination.”

Leonardo da Vinci once said: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”

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

craig 11/11/11

“I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit; so love writing about and sharing stories of the resilience of humanity.”.

“I am Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher,” he concluded. “I am a Buddhist, a Hindu, a follower of Islam and Christianity. I am today, and always, proudly Sri Lankan.”

– champion Sri Lankan batsman Kumar Sangakkara

Well said!

Man is a great wall builder
The Berlin Wall
The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem
But the wall most impregnable
Has a moat
flowing with fright
around his heart

A wall without windows for the spirit to breeze through
without a door for love to walk in.”

– OSWALD MTSHALI, Soweto (South African) poet
from ‘My Traitor’s Heart’ by Rian Malan (published by Vintage 1990)

http://breakdownwalls.wordpress.com/

*

A FEW THOUGHTS OF WRITERS ON THE WRITING JOURNEY

“I write because I simply HAVE to”

“Writers help readers to see the world differently.”

“I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to.” That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty.”

“I write about and believe in the resilience of humanity- I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit.”

– craig

The Story of the Four Candles

The Four Candles burned slowly.
Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…

The first candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.”
Then Peace’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.”
Then Faith’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, “I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer.”
“People put me aside and don’t understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.”
And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly…

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.

The child began to cry,

“Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end.”

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,

“Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn,

we can re-light the other candles.”

With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope

and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out.

With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,

 

Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

“Faith sees the invisible, believes the unbelievable…

and receives the impossible.”

– Corrie Ten Boom

“When you were born,
you cried and the world rejoiced.
Live your life so when you die,
the world cries and you rejoice.”
– Indian saying

Thanks, dearest mom, your spirit will live on…forever
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 journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

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

‘The Winning Way’ is available at at http://www.amazon.com/dp/B006WQSGE

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”)

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

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

Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

Article Title: Sharing A Few New Spiritual “Torts” on FAITH (from My Notes) – Part One

Shared by: Craig Lock

Category (key words):

Web site: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4
The submitter’s blog (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 piece (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If it helps others “out there” on the ‘amazing journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

SHARING A FEW NEW SPIRITUAL “TORTS” ON FAITH (PART ONE)

These are some notes (in point form) on “airey-fairey spiritual matters” and on faith, many from from authors unknown, that I’ve collected* and jotted down over the years in my little “Spiritual” note books. I have also included a few miscellaneous (big word that) thoughts on other matters, like writing and South Africa (still “the beloved country” – at least to me!). Hope these words may be as encouraging, uplifting, empowering…and perhaps even “inspiring” to you as they are to me. So am sharing. Enjoy

* instead of stamps or bottle-tops *

Unity in diversity

Unity in truth

Find unity in a common search for truth.

“All rivers eventually reach the ocean.”

“Faith is the trigger that releases divine power”

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” -Emmett Fox

My journey has enlarged Job’s concept of God

Tackle some new exciting possibilities…TODAY!

The most valuable gift is invention. Your imagination is your greatest wealth (treasure)

God’s Providence is my inheritance

* “My life is my message.” – Mohandas (Mahatma) Gandhi

“Those who say that religion has nothing to do with politics, don’t know what religion is.”

– Gandhi (again)

Fill me with knowledge of YOUR will. Show (reveal to) me YOUR Honour and Glory

Make God, the Creator of the Universe as BIG as you can possibly conceive.

“Edwin Markham + circle quote”

We need a monitored long term truce

South Africans extraordinary sense of humour * generosity * kindness * humour and * freedom

The first key to writing is simply to write. 1st draft: write from the heart 2nd draft: write from the head

Hope is irresistable

God, the Mystery of Life

Use my past to change other people’s futures. “From mess to message.”

My life is now built on something completely different and not on what I feel.

*

The hand of God is on the ground helping people

God’s strategy is people – working in and through US.

Working with God: * God’s plans * God’s agenda * His energy

Helen Keller said: “Although the world is full of suffering, it is also full of the overcoming of it.”

Books are the fruits of our experiences. SHOW rather than tell. God has already given us all that we need to succeed.

Don’t talk to God how big your problems are. Tell your problems how big God is. Brings honour and glory to Him (through divine power)

Joel Osteen (Texan preacher): You WILL overcome obstacles. God knows how to get you to your final destination

From success to significance

“Bend the arc of history toward you”???

Show me Your Glory

Lord, Reveal knowledge of Your will

Every choice has a consequence

With faith and the political will there IS a solution to every problem. Each ONE of us can play some part in encouraging that process.

I WILL write stories (true) of hope, forgiveness, faith and renewal. 30/08/2010

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

Don’t limit God. Make GOD as BIG as you can.

Nothing is impossible with God.

Forgiveness

“With forgiveness comes atonement”

A voice of hope, faith, forgiveness and renewal.

Forgiveness is not an occasional act. It is a decision, a commitment, a state of mind. Book ‘No Enemy to Conquer’ by Michael Henderson

Give us forgiveness for the past, strength for today and hope for the future

the bright morning star (Rev 22:16)

He’s not the brightest spark on the chandelier!

“I was (stuck) in the wilderness of life.”

Hope is the anchor of the soul.

“The time of the singing of the birds has come,”

Religion is reaching out to God; whereas Christianity is God reaching out to us.”

God’s greatest gift to us is allowing us to find our own truths.

Develop the conquering spirit of a champion.

God responds to desperation.

“I don’t believe in God. I know God.” – David Rosen, Jungian psycho-analyst

Insight doesn’t come from the natural mind.

“Faith is the light that guides you through the darkness.” – Emmet Fox

May you all see God’s brilliant light on the path (road) up ahead

Together, you and I, let’s march together into a bright new future (tomorrow)

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

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 journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4 www.creativekiwis.com/index.php/books/74-craigs-books http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock www.lulu.com/craiglock and https://www.xinxii.com/asresults.php?s4=craig+lock&sid=1

“The world’s smallest and most exclusive bookstore”

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

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”)

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

May you all see God’s light on the path (road) up ahead

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

Sharing A Few New Inspirational and Uplifting Thoughts (from My Notes)

Article Title: Sharing A Few New Inspirational and Uplifting Thoughts (from My Notes)

Shared by: Craig Lock

Lions Head, Cape Town, the beautiful Mother City of South Africa with Table Bay and Robben Island in the distance (where Nelson Mandela, “a true champion of justice, peace and reconciliation”  made huge sacrifices being imprisoned all those long years in his pursuit of his cause, his ideals, his dream for a “unified Beloved Country”)

Category (key words):Web Sites: http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

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

http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/http://grandprixdrivermyblog.wordpress.com/http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com and

his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

Other Articles are available at: http://www.selfgrowth.com/articles/user/15565 and http://www.ideamarketers.com/library/profile.cfm?writerid=981

(Personal growth, self help, writing, internet marketing, spiritual, ‘spiritual writings’ (how ‘airey-fairey’), words of inspiration and money management, how boring now, craig

Publishing Guidelines:

These thoughts (as with all my writings) may be freely reproduced electronically or in print. If they help or encourage others “out there” on the often very difficult yet always ‘amazing and magical journey of life’, then we’re very happy.

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

#

Sharing a Few New Inspirational and Uplifting Thoughts

(from my notes)

Submitters Note

Here are some of my notes and thoughts (in point form) that I’ve collected and written down over the years, which may be of interest and get you “tinking” about these “airey-fairey matters”. Just sharing some thoughts on writing, champions, motor racing in the Zone, Christianity (and Jesus), peace and the pursuit of peace, as well as many other subjects (from my notes). I find them empowering and inspirational on my own journey “on the path less travelled”. So will share with you and hope them may be uplifting, empowering and perhaps even inspirational to you too. Enjoy…

“In his wisdom God gives to each of us a limited, finite number of hours a year in which to achieve our goals, both material and spiritual. He gives us these hours in sequence, day by day, month by month. If they are wasted, however, they are neither repeatable or refundable. He gives the same amount to the rich and to the poor, to the young and to the old. Whatever successes we may achieve in this life will come from the purpose to which we put God’s priceless gift – TIME”.

– Leon A. Danco ,Ph.D (from Quote, Unquote by Craig Lock http://www.amazon.com/dp/B005GS6X8O)

“There are so many challenges waiting for you to accept:

the challenge of a new opportunity

the challenge to beat yesterday’s record

the challenge to compete against yourself

the challenge to grow personally, a little more each day.

CHAMPIONS

Very few of us can be champions.

But what is a champion?

For me a champion is the ultimate winner. A consistent top performer on all occasions.

“The word champion covers everything. It means courage. It indicates skill. It denotes spirit. It signifies a willingness to take chances. It expresses an inner fire. It tells the story of everything in a life that is worth fighting to attain and keep.”

– Charles B.Roth (an American captain of industry)

“A champion is not a title, but a set of qualities: Champions aren’t made in the gym. Champions are made from something they have deep inside them – an inner flame that burns brightly…with dedication, purpose, desire and passion. True champions LIVE the dream, the vision of who and what they can one day become…. even a long time before it happens.”
– me

“We must set out to do a good job,

irrespective of race, and do it so well

that nobody could do it better”.

– Dr Martin Luther King, Jnr.

“When once you have tasted flight, you will forever walk the earth with your eyes turned skyward, for there you have been, and there you will always long to return.”

– Leonardo da Vinci

My great passion, MOTOR RACING (AND RACING “IN THE ZONE”)

“There are only three sports: bull-fighting, mountain climbing and motor racing; all the rest are merely games.”

– Ernest Hemingway

“True champions, like an Ayrton Senna, are able to find a new level (of performance) – when required, they have the ability to ‘dig deep’ and find something very special inside themselves

“The aim is to be in the Zone every time you get in the car. But that day Ayrton was somewhere else beyond the Zone…heaven.”

– Lewis Hamilton

Suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was kind of driving by instinct, only I was in a different dimension. I was way over the limit; but still I was able to find even more. It frightened me, because I realised I was well beyond my conscious understanding.”*

– Ayrton Senna

You get to the stage when your almost looking down on yourself. When you get into that state, it s the best state ever.o

– Stirling Moss

From http://www.overdrivef1.com/news.html

“The Zone could simply be a gateway to the divine, one of God’s methods of reminding us of His – and our – glorious power. Omnipresence means that power must be everywhere, everytime. Including the racetracks. Including today.”

– Clyde Brolin writing in Overdrive; Formula One in the Zone (From http://www.overdrivef1.com/news.html)

“As we live and move and have our being from this vision, we create heaven in our own lives and heaven on earth.”

– Felicia Searcy

*

THOUGHTS OF WRITERS ON THE WRITING JOURNEY

“I make art through using materials and words are my tools.”

“Art is at the highest reach of one s creative imagination.”

“Your only limits are your own imagination.”

Leonardo da Vinci once said: “Art is never finished, only abandoned.”

“There are three rules for writing a novel. Unfortunately, no one knows what they are.”

– W. Somerset Maugham

“I write because I simply HAVE to.”

“Writers help readers to see the world differently.”

“I write because something inside myself, inner and unconscious forces me to.” That is the first compulsion. The second is one of ethical and moral duty.”

“I write about and believe in the immense resilience of humanity – I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit.”

– craig

Monty Python on novel writing

For a bit of “wacky” humour click on http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ogPZ5CY9KoM

“And now as I move into the next part of this journey, I know that it will soon be time for me to take my hands off this book and…”

Writing “in the zone”

“Suddenly I realised that I was no longer driving the car consciously. I was kind of driving by instinct, only I was in a different dimension. I was way over the limit; but still I was able to find even more. It frightened me, because I realised I was well beyond my conscious understanding.”

– the late, great Ayrton Senna

Writers, like racing drivers, challenge themselves and their readers in new ways, They find new niches. I want to continually test my own writing “limits”, the “boundaries of my imagination.”

I love writing about ‘ordinary’ (what’s that?) people doing extra-ordinary things. I find these stories hugely empowering and inspirational on my own journey “on the path less travelled”. I hope they may be uplifting, empowering and perhaps even inspirational to you too. Enjoy…

“Have the courage to follow your heart and intuition. They already somehow know what you truly want to become.”

“I want to write the way Gilles Villeneuve drove and power-slid his blood-red Formula One Ferraria with wild enthusiasm and a sense of abandonment, combined with the artists craft of a Stirling Moss, a Jim Clark, and especially that of the great Ayrton Senna, living on the razor-blade edge of life.”

All the world will be happier and better, when the men and women have the souls of artists, like that of an Ayrton Senna.”

– craig (as inspired by Rodin’s famous words)

for dearest mom and dad, your spirits lives on (forever)

thanks for all the support, encouragement and especially love

*

SOME THOUGHTS ON CHRISTIANITY

“For me, God is a Creative Presence (far greater and deeper than my own consciousness). A Presence that I can experience on earth and allows me to be all that I am able to become.”

– craig

A passionately Jesus-centered approach to life

Above all, we are followers of Jesus, on a journey with him, following where he leads us. We center our lives on him u not on the religion of Christianity, not on Western civilization, and not on patriotism. Jesus is the great peacemaker. We affirm a Jesus-centered approach to life, because this highlights the treasure of the good news. His life, his teaching, his death, and his resurrection all describe and illustrate multi-dimensional reconciliation.

From: http://ricklove.net/?p=917

“I want to be a nobody for Jesus.”

– my good friend, Lindsay McIlraith

#

The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete; it’s not victory but combat – not to have vanquished, but to have fought well – not winning but taking part.

– Pierre de Coubertin (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)

*

THE PURSUIT OF PEACE (and BREAKING DOWN BARRIERS: Social, Economic, Political and Religious…one mind, one heart, one soul… one life at a time)

“It is from numberless diverse acts of courage and belief that human history is shaped. Each time a man stands up for an ideal, or acts to improve the lot of others, or strikes out against injustice, he sends forth a tiny ripple of hope, and crossing each other from a million different centers of energy and daring, those ripples build a current that can sweep down the mightiest walls of oppression and resistance.”

– Robert Francis Kennedy quotes ( US attorney general and adviser, 1925-1968)

WALLS

“Man is a great wall builder

The Berlin Wall

The Wailing Wall of Jerusalem

But the wall most impregnable

Has a moat

flowing with fright

around his heart

A wall without windows for the spirit to breeze through

without a door for love to walk in.”

– OSWALD MTSHALI, Soweto (South African) poet

from the compelling book, My Traitor’s Heart by Rian Malan (published by Vintage 1990)

“Instead of the limits of borders (of countries and of our minds) let us and our leaders expand our sense of possibility… and together let’s look at building bridges to distant horizons, far and great. Lord, help us all lift our eyes a little higher.”

– craig

Let us tear down the walls of our hearts in order to tear down the walls of concrete”

– Fouad Twal (top Roman Catholic official in the Holy land and Palestinian citizen of Jordan)

“Every tiny action by seemingly ordinary people may be seen as a pin-prick in a small piece of card-board. Yet it is each ONE of these barely observable holes that makes a miniscule difference… through allowing a glimmer of light to shine through. And it’s the myriad of tiny flickers, thousands and thousands at a time that can shine the brightest light in the darkest of places.”

– craig

It was always seems impossible….

until it gets done.

– Nelson Mandela

This is my favourite and sums up my message of my “little” life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus, or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

This is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology). (With my little additional few words in brackets)

“The greatest mountain we need to climb lies in our our own minds”. It’s not the highest mountain that we conquer, but ourselves, our own mentality. Overcoming perceived limits to reach (attain) the pinnacle of our own minds.”

– craig (as inspired by the words of Sir Edmund Hillary, conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

“Power is meaningless, when you are an enemy of the people.”

Remember those words, President Assad of Syria!

Click on the classic, the great song Imagine by John Lennon… and just feel the sense of empowerment and inspiration filling our spirit

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=-b7qaSxuZUg

Totally unmusical craig

“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 them 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 short again and again; because there is not effort without error and shortcomings; but who does actually strive to do the deed; who knows the great enthusiasm, the great devotion, who spends himself in 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 know neither victory nor defeat.”

– Theodore Roosevelt quotes (American 26th US President (1901-09), 1858-1919)

“The important thing in life is not to triumph but to compete – it’s not victory but combat – not to have vanquished but to have fought well – not winning but taking part.”

– Pierre de Coubertin (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)

“The most important thing in the Olympic Games is not winning but taking part; the essential thing in life is not conquering but fighting well.”

– Pierre de Coubertin (French Educator, primarily responsible for the revival of the Olympic Games in 1894. 1863-1937)

“Those who say it s impossible, should stand aside and make way for those who say: With the right will, commitment, dedication, persistence, courage and especially faith, one sunny day IT IS POSSIBLE!”

– craig

This is my favourite and sums up my message, my life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus

or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

This is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology). (With my little additional few words in brackets)

from a great book by Clyde Brolin ‘Overdrive: Formula One in the Zone’

www.overdrivef1.com

SOUTH AFRICA

“The most potent weapon in the hands of the oppressor is the mind of the oppressed.”

– Steve Biko, from a Speech in Cape Town, 1971

A Story of Hope and Triumph

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_Bhg4RLHe04&feature=related

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cBKNXsFI_3s&feature=related

A Story of Hope and Triumph

http://peaceittogether.com

http://www.win-peace.org/

children for peace

http://www.thenextbigjewishidea.com/ideas/entry/inter-faith-youth-soccer-league

“Sometimes you have to give up the life you had planned… in order to live the life you were meant to live.”

“I don’t believe so much in goals, but rather in going after your dreams.”

– me

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

– craig 11/11/11

*

THOUGHTS ON HOPE

“With or without a Nobel, I will still do what I do, because I am a symbol for hope on the African continent, in a place where there is little to be hopeful for.”

– Nobel Peace prze winner, Leymah Gbowee (from Lbera)

“Hope gives one a dream.” (must include that uplifting thought in a book someday)

“When love endures, hope inevitably follows.”

– craig

“I truly believe in the triumph of the human spirit; so love writing about and sharing stories of the mmense resilience of humanity.”

“The greatest mountain we need to climb lies in our own minds”. It’s not the highest mountain that we conquer, but ourselves, our own mentality. Overcoming perceived limits to reach (attain) the pinnacle of our own minds.”

– craig (as inspired by the words of Sir Edmund Hillary, conquerer of Mount Everest (1919-2008)

“Be the spark that light that lights the flame of hope in others.”

The Story of the Four Candles

The Four Candles burned slowly.

Their ambiance was so soft you could hear them speak…

The first candle said, “I Am Peace, but these days, nobody wants to keep me lit.”

Then Peace’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

The second candle said, “I Am Faith, but these days, I am no longer indispensable.”

Then Faith’s flame slowly diminished and went out completely.

Sadly the third candle spoke, “I Am Love and I haven’t the strength to stay lit any longer.”

“People put me aside and don’t understand my importance.

They even forget to love those who are nearest to them.”

And waiting no longer, Love went out completely.

Suddenly…

A child entered the room and saw the three candles no longer burning.

The child began to cry,

“Why are you not burning? You are supposed to stay lit until the end.”

Then the Fourth Candle spoke gently to the little boy,

“Don’t be afraid, for I Am Hope, and while I still burn,

we can re-light the other candles.”

With shining eyes, the child took the Candle of Hope

and lit the other three candles.

Never let the Flame of Hope go out.

With Hope in your life, no matter how bad things may be,

Peace, Faith and Love may shine brightly once again.

“We are choosing hope over fear, unity over division, a new vision for the world. And so it is the triumph of life over death, of love over hate, of light over darkness…”

This is my favourite and sums up my message, my life…in trying in some small way to break down barriers between people.

“I had a good chance to meet a yogi who was so spiritual and happy all the time. I wondered how he managed his thinking and I learned a lot from him. I saw him and I thought, ‘This is the way.’ You believe in a God, but not in a religious way. We human beings like to give him names, whether that is Jesus

or whatever else. But my view is that God is ONE, whether it is Christian, Muslim, Hindu, Buddhist, almost anything, and that he is everywhere. He (or she) has (no gender), colour, no religion, no race, nothing. It’s incredible how close he is to you and to everybody. You just call him (her/It) and he’s there. That’s it, simple.

This is the reality we so often forget.”

– Balbir Singh, former physio-therapist to Michael Schumacher (and student of psychology). (With my little additional few words in brackets)

from Overdrive: Formula One in the Zone by Clyde Brolin and God and Formula One by this writer: See http://www.amazon.com/GOD-AND-FORMULA-ONE-ebook/dp/B005Z6BFX0

*

“I am Tamil, Sinhalese, Muslim and Burgher,” he concluded. “I am a Buddhist, a Hindu, a follower of Islam and Christianity. I am today, and always, proudly Sri Lankan.”

Well said!

– Kumar Sangakkara, Sri Lankan cricketer

“Power is worth nothing, while you stand as an enemy to the people.”

“When (or perhaps if ever) you arrive in heaven, let faith and love be the wings that carried you there.”

– as adapted from the inspiring words of Jonathan Edwards, former minister in New England, Massachusetts

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

– craig

“As we live and move and have our being from this vision, we create heaven in our own lives and heaven on earth.”

– Felicia Searcy

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

he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted,

or Beethoven composed music, or

Shakespeare wrote poetry.

He should sweep streets so well

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

here lived a great street sweeper

who did his job well.”

– Dr Martin Luther King, Jr.

Shared by craig (“Information and Inspiration Distributor, Incorrigible Encourager and People-builder”)

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 journey. Craig has a ‘passion’ for writing books that tell stories about people doing positive things in this often so hard, sometimes unkind world, occasionally so cruel, yet always amazing world He loves ‘telling tales’, sharing true stories that leave the reader feeling uplifted, empowered and perhaps hopefully even inspired.

The various books that Craig “felt inspired to write” are available at:http://www.amazon.com/-/e/B005GGMAW4http://goo.gl/vTpjk and http://www.smashwords.com/profile/view/craiglock

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

http://grandprixchampion.wordpress.com/http://grandprixdrivermyblog.wordpress.com/http://www.sportforpeace.wordpress.com and his various other blogs are at http://craigsblogs.wordpress.

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

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

“A book, like a dog, is man’s best friend, but inside it’s too dark to read.” – Woody Allen (I “tink”)

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

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

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

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

“When you were born,

you cried and the world rejoiced.

Live your life so when you die,

the world cries and you rejoice.”

– Indian saying

Thanks, dearest mom, your spirit will live on…forever