Out of dark times spring light and life

How many of us experience those moments of lost hope, destroyed vision and broken dreams, both in our personal lives and our communities?

Christianity declares that Jesus, the one who died on the cross, was God dwelling among us; God in the flesh. 

This means that in his experience of the cross, we had the creator of the universe 

experiencing our humanity.

 

Through Jesus we see God,who has climbed into the dark pit with us. God seen in the Easter story is the one who knows and experiences our dark moments; and takes them on as His own.

When others let us down the hope present in the Easter story still stands. It’s a hope that stands for eternity.  It’s a hope that stands for eternity no mattewhat happens in our city or the world around us.

 We live with the belief that hope is always present, even when the darkness seems overwhelming. We may not always live up to the ideal, but every Easter we’re called back to that hope and reminded about what God is up to as seen in the Crucifixion and Resurrection of Christ.

 

 

for the full article  (with far better lay-out/appearance  in formatted text?) see

http://www.nzherald.co.nz/nz/news/article.cfm?c_id=1&objectid=11611789

“When others let us down the hope present in the Easter story still stands. It’s a hope that stands for eternity.”

“The light shines in the darkness… and the darkness can never put it out.”

 

Featured Image -- 7350

blacknightandlight

picture from

http://www.itsalwaysdarkestbeforethedawn.wordpress.com

 

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

 

Light (John)

Best wishes from the First City to see the Light
beachsunset
PPS
Don’t worry about the world ending today…
as it’s already tomorrow in scenic and tranquil ‘little’ New Zealand

10635914_399053126936228_5393310959449721887_n

 

brilliantlight

 

“A writer’s dreams

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

“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.
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.” *

Goddream

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

enjoy

download (1)
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”

eagle

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

Image

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

“IF: “If a man is called to be a street-sweeper, he should sweep streets even as Michelangelo painted…”

PICturepaint“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.

from “Quote, Unquote” available in paperback at

http://www.amazon.com/Quote-Unquote-Quotes-Sharing-favourite/dp/1490357327

and the Kindle Edition is available at http://www.amazon.com/Quote-Unquote-Craig-Lock-ebook/dp/B005GS6X8O

 

“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.”

“You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?”

Abeachsea (heaven)
You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again?

Matthew 5:13 (NIV)

You are the salt of the earth. But what good is salt if it has lost its flavor?”
– Matthew 5:13 (New Living Translation)

One of the best Inspirational videos ever…- How Great Thou Art by 12 yr old Straalen McCullum

How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

STEPHEN COVEY (author of ‘THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE’ and ‘FIRST THINGS FIRST’:
How to prioritise your life. The book is all about BALANCE and PRIORITISING YOUR LIFE

Have a mind open to and ready to accept new knowledge.

You have to have something else to BALANCE your life (eg. getting an education) – in case your dream doesn’t materialize for you – in case your plan doesn’t work out for you.

Develop RESPECT (for yourself and others) and work on your sense of SELF WORTH

1. Have a MISSION. Everyone needs a purpose in life. Listen to your heart.

Are you stressed?
Symptoms:
* can’t sleep or oversleep

* eat all the time

* you can’t seem to focus

* you seem to be powerless in effecting control over your life

* do you feel your life is running away from you?

All these indicate that you are under stress.

MISSION:

Ask yourself the question: What is really important in your life?
“Many people climb to the top of their ladder, only to find that it is leaning up against the wrong wall.”

Everything else in your life affects it. It is something to work towards in your life. You manage yourself by the values and VISION in your life. What kind of values and meaning do you want in your life?

Imagine your funeral: There are 4 speakers there.
One from your:
family
friends
community
and
work

What would you like them to say about you? What kind of legacy would you like to leave the world?
What kind of life do you want to lead?
What are you passionate about?
WHO are you really? What do you stand for?

Article Title: How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

Author Name: Craig Lock
Category (key words): Inspiration, Inspirational Books, Dr Stephen Covey, Fulfilment, Spiritual, Words of Upliftment and Inspiration, Empowerment

Ride the waves and storms of life

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

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

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

Publishing Guidelines:

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

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

*

How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

Submitter’s Note:
This piece (in point form) was based upon my notes from an interview that Oprah had with Dr Stephen Covey, author of the ‘Seven
Habits of Highly Effective People’ some years ago. I am sharing the content in the spirit of encouraging others to live more fulfilling lives, if that’s what you wish.
*

STEPHEN COVEY (author of ‘THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE’ and ‘FIRST THINGS FIRST’:
How to prioritise your life. The book is all about BALANCE and PRIORITISING YOUR LIFE

Have a mind open to and ready to accept new knowledge.

You have to have something else to BALANCE your life (eg. getting an education) – in case your dream doesn’t materialize for you – in case your plan doesn’t work out for you.

Develop RESPECT (for yourself and others) and work on your sense of SELF WORTH

1. Have a MISSION. Everyone needs a purpose in life. Listen to your heart.

Are you stressed?
Symptoms:
* can’t sleep or oversleep

* eat all the time

* you can’t seem to focus

* you seem to be powerless in effecting control over your life

* do you feel your life is running away from you?

All these indicate that you are under stress.

MISSION:

Ask yourself the question: What is really important in your life?
“Many people climb to the top of their ladder, only to find that it is leaning up against the wrong wall.”

Everything else in your life affects it. It is something to work towards in your life. You manage yourself by the values and VISION in your life. What kind of values and meaning do you want in your life?

Imagine your funeral: There are 4 speakers there.
One from your:

family
friends
community
and
work

What would you like them to say about you? What kind of legacy would you like to leave the world?
What kind of life do you want to lead?
What are you passionate about?
WHO are you really? What do you stand for?

It’s so easy to let THINGS define you. What would you be without your car, job, etc.

“Nobody on their death bed wished they’d spent more time at the office.”

What is the one thing you can do in your life personally right NOW that could make a difference – personally (as in relationships) and professionally?
Most people know what the answer is (in their hearts); but they are not doing it. Write it down what it is you really want.
What’s stopping you from doing it?

They are driven by what is URGENT, rather than what’s IMPORTANT. Do what is IMPORTANT, rather than what is URGENT.

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.

— Aristoteles
Greek philosopher, 384 B.C. – 322 B.C.

PREPARE and PLAN – so that there is time for other things. Prevention too.

Ask yourself: Where do you want to be? Doing the things that are important to you. Take time to build it up. Find your sense of integrity: in both relationships, as well as the community.
Don’t waste time on worthless reading, or watching mindless TV programmes.

We all need these areas of our life to be fulfilled:

Health – exercise
Heart – the relationship with the key people in your life
Mind – developing the mind
Spirit/Soul – sense of integrity, sense of contribution or service.

You can’t do right in one area of your life and wrong in another. It’s total and indivisible.

So ensure that you are headed in the right direction. It’s not just a matter of acquiring material possessions, like a new lounge suite, TV, BMW, etc.

There are many dimensions to your life. What is your credo or mission statement? WHAT IS MY LIFE ALL ABOUT. Doing this is a most rewarding exercise. It provides a frame of reference and it will provide direction in your life by enabling you to build on your most important values in life. Doing this can also enhance a person’s sense of self esteem.

“You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being,
not because anybody says so, not because you’re successful,
not because you make a lot of money, but because you decide
to believe it and for no other reason.”

— Wayne Dyer, American motivational author

*

HOW TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE:

Is it to perhaps spend more time with your family? Nobody on their death-bed said they should have spent more time at the office. Most people want more quality time.
Exercise.

Spend more time on your health and happiness, instead of eating, sleeping and working.

Spend more time on those people really important to you – wife, ‘hubbie’ and family.

One good hint is to learn to say ‘no’ to people.

DEVELOP YOUR MISSION STATEMENT. Once you have the goal you start working towards it…because you then know what you’re all about.

HAVE A VISION: “Vision is greater than baggage.”
“Without a vision, the people perish.”

What is your life really about? What is your purpose/your reason for being?

Why are we here?
Don’t get distracted from your central mission.
What are the values you want to build upon?
What are we here for?

To:
LIVE – ie. make a living

LEARN – by growing

LOVE

LEAVE A LEGACY – a memory, to make a difference (contribution) through your life.
Once you have defined your values (from your mission statement), you can then live a “principle-centered” life.

Whatever you do,

Live your life with INTEGRITY (“to thine own self be true”, thanks mom).

Put yourself in line with the principles of the universe.
To do this, first keep your promises to yourself; because without doing that you cannot have true integrity. So honour your commitment to yourself. The answer is within you. “The kingdom of heaven is within you.”

If you can’t honour that commitment, first make small promises to yourself, then KEEP them. Start with small commitments, then make bigger promises. Make it, keep it, make it, keep it.
Honour.

Have a “Win Win” attitude towards them. By helping them, you can help yourself.

“The deepest hunger of the human heart is to feel understood.”
– Stephen Covey

“We make a living by what we earn, however we make a life by what we give.”

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

Edwin Hubbel Chapin once said, “Every action of our lives touches on
some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” That is the definition of a
legacy. Wouldn’t you love to do something that might strike a
beautiful chord that will “vibrate in eternity”?
“Believe in yourself and in your dream,
Though impossible things may seem
Someday, somehow you’ll get through
To the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and seas divide,
Before the one who in his stride
Takes a hard road by day
Sweeping obstacles away
Believe in yourself and in your plan
Say not – I cannot – I can
The prizes of life we fail to win
Because we doubt the power within…”
– anon

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

About the author:
Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy.
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including “Quote, Unquote”: ) 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, riting, inspiration and money management

“Together, one mind, one life at a time, let’s see how many people we can impact, empower, uplift and encourage to reach their fullest potentials.
“God gives us each day to use as we will. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place we have traded for it. The day can be used for gain, not loss, for good, not evil, for success, not failure. We can waste time worrying about what might happen or fretting about what did happen. If we want time, we have to make it.”

“The measure of our accomplishments in life is not a measure of time that we have to do things; but it’s a measure of what we do with the talents we have.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

“Life should not be a journey to the grave with the intention of arriving safely in a pretty and well preserved body, but rather to skid in broadside in a cloud of smoke, thoroughly used up, totally worn out, and loudly proclaiming ‘Wow! What a Ride!’”

― Hunter S. Thompson

“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.

“We must set out to do a good job,

irrespective of race, and do it so well

that nobody could do it better”.

– Martin Luther King, Jnr.

“If you cannot do great things, just do small things in a great way.”

If you cannot do great things, just do small things in a great way.”

“If you cannot do great things, just do small things in a great way.”

“We can all be great, because we can all serve.”
– Mother Teresa

If you cannot do great things, just do small things in a great way.”

“If you cannot do great things, just do small things in a great way.”

“We can all be great, because we can all serve.”
– Mother Teresa

How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Dr Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

MISSION:

Ask yourself the question: What is really important in your life?
“Many people climb to the top of their ladder, only to find that it is leaning up against the wrong wall.”

Everything else in your life affects it. It is something to work towards in your life. You manage yourself by the values and VISION in your life. What kind of values and meaning do you want in your life?

Imagine your funeral: There are 4 speakers there.
One from your:
family
friends
community
and
work

What would you like them to say about you? What kind of legacy would you like to leave the world?
What kind of life do you want to lead?
What are you passionate about?
WHO are you really? What do you stand for?

ImagePicture: beautiful and deserted Wainui beach, Gisborne, East Coast , New Zealand…a place where I often get my dose(“fill”) of upliftment and inspiration

Article Title: How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Dr Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

Author Name: Craig Lock

Category (key words):

Web site: 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://drmartinlutherking.wordpress.com/ www.buildbridgesofunity.wordpress.com www.buildbridgesofunderstanding.wordpress.com www.breakdownwalls.wordpress.com www.religiousunity.wordpress.com www.ishallnothatebook.wordpress.com + www.iwillnothate.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=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

Publishing Guidelines:

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

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

*

How to Live a More Fulfilling Life by Stephen Covey (from Inspirational Books)

Submitter’s Note:
This piece (in point form) was based upon my notes from an interview that Oprah had with Dr Stephen Covey, author of the ‘Seven
Habits of Highly Effective People’ some years ago. I am sharing the content in the spirit of encouraging others to live more fulfilling lives, if that’s what you wish.
*

STEPHEN COVEY (author of ‘THE SEVEN HABITS OF HIGHLY EFFECTIVE PEOPLE’ and ‘FIRST THINGS FIRST’:
How to prioritise your life. The book is all about BALANCE and PRIORITISING YOUR LIFE

Have a mind open to and ready to accept new knowledge.

You have to have something else to BALANCE your life (eg. getting an education) – in case your dream doesn’t materialize for you – in case your plan doesn’t work out for you.

Develop RESPECT (for yourself and others) and work on your sense of SELF WORTH

1. Have a MISSION. Everyone needs a purpose in life. Listen to your heart.

Are you stressed?
Symptoms:
* can’t sleep or oversleep

* eat all the time

* you can’t seem to focus

* you seem to be powerless in effecting control over your life

* do you feel your life is running away from you?

All these indicate that you are under stress.

MISSION:

Ask yourself the question: What is really important in your life?
“Many people climb to the top of their ladder, only to find that it is leaning up against the wrong wall.”

Everything else in your life affects it. It is something to work towards in your life. You manage yourself by the values and VISION in your life. What kind of values and meaning do you want in your life?

Imagine your funeral: There are 4 speakers there.
One from your:

family
friends
community
and
work

What would you like them to say about you? What kind of legacy would you like to leave the world?
What kind of life do you want to lead?
What are you passionate about?
WHO are you really? What do you stand for?

It’s so easy to let THINGS define you. What would you be without your car, job, etc.

“Nobody on their death bed wished they’d spent more time at the office.”

What is the one thing you can do in your life personally right NOW that could make a difference – personally (as in relationships) and professionally?
Most people know what the answer is (in their hearts); but they are not doing it. Write it down what it is you really want.
What’s stopping you from doing it?

They are driven by what is URGENT, rather than what’s IMPORTANT. Do what is IMPORTANT, rather than what is URGENT.

We are what we repeatedly do.
Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.

— Aristoteles
Greek philosopher, 384 B.C. – 322 B.C.

PREPARE and PLAN – so that there is time for other things. Prevention too.

Ask yourself: Where do you want to be? Doing the things that are important to you. Take time to build it up. Find your sense of integrity: in both relationships, as well as the community.
Don’t waste time on worthless reading, or watching mindless TV programmes.

We all need these areas of our life to be fulfilled:

Health – exercise
Heart – the relationship with the key people in your life
Mind – developing the mind
Spirit/Soul – sense of integrity, sense of contribution or service.

You can’t do right in one area of your life and wrong in another. It’s total and indivisible.

So ensure that you are headed in the right direction. It’s not just a matter of acquiring material possessions, like a new lounge suite, TV, BMW, etc.

There are many dimensions to your life. What is your credo or mission statement? WHAT IS MY LIFE ALL ABOUT. Doing this is a most rewarding exercise. It provides a frame of reference and it will provide direction in your life by enabling you to build on your most important values in life. Doing this can also enhance a person’s sense of self esteem.

“You are always a valuable, worthwhile human being,
not because anybody says so, not because you’re successful,
not because you make a lot of money, but because you decide
to believe it and for no other reason.”

— Wayne Dyer, American motivational author

*

HOW TO ENRICH YOUR LIFE:

Is it to perhaps spend more time with your family? Nobody on their death-bed said they should have spent more time at the office. Most people want more quality time.
Exercise.

Spend more time on your health and happiness, instead of eating, sleeping and working.

Spend more time on those people really important to you – wife, ‘hubbie’ and family.

One good hint is to learn to say ‘no’ to people.

DEVELOP YOUR MISSION STATEMENT. Once you have the goal you start working towards it…because you then know what you’re all about.

HAVE A VISION: “Vision is greater than baggage.”
“Without a vision, the people perish.”

What is your life really about? What is your purpose/your reason for being?

Why are we here?
Don’t get distracted from your central mission.
What are the values you want to build upon?
What are we here for?

To:
LIVE – ie. make a living

LEARN – by growing

LOVE

LEAVE A LEGACY – a memory, to make a difference (contribution) through your life.
Once you have defined your values (from your mission statement), you can then live a “principle-centered” life.

Whatever you do,

Live your life with INTEGRITY (“to thine own self be true”, thanks dearest mom).

Put yourself in line with the principles of the universe.
To do this, first keep your promises to yourself; because without doing that you cannot have true integrity. So honour your commitment to yourself. The answer is within you. “The kingdom of heaven is within you.”

If you can’t honour that commitment, first make small promises to yourself, then KEEP them. Start with small commitments, then make bigger promises. Make it, keep it, make it, keep it.
Honour.

Have a “Win Win” attitude towards them. By helping them, you can help yourself.

“The deepest hunger of the human heart is to feel understood.”
– Stephen Covey

“We make a living by what we earn, however we make a life by what we give.”

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

Edwin Hubbel Chapin once said, “Every action of our lives touches on
some chord that will vibrate in eternity.” That is the definition of a
legacy. Wouldn’t you love to do something that might strike a
beautiful chord that will “vibrate in eternity”?

“Believe in yourself and in your dream,
Though impossible things may seem
Someday, somehow you’ll get through
To the goal you have in view.
Mountains fall and seas divide,
Before the one who in his stride
Takes a hard road by day
Sweeping obstacles away
Believe in yourself and in your plan
Say not – I cannot – I can
The prizes of life we fail to win
Because we doubt the power within…”
– anon

About the author:
Craig believes in (and loves) sharing information and insights to make a difference in this world: to help and especially encourage people along life’s magical journey … and that brings him the greatest joy.
http://www.craiglockbooks.com

The various books* that Craig “felt inspired to write” (including “Quote, Unquote”: ) 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, riting, inspiration and money management

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

“God gives us each day to use as we will. When tomorrow comes this day will be gone forever, leaving something in its place we have traded for it. The day can be used for gain, not loss, for good, not evil, for success, not failure. We can waste time worrying about what might happen or fretting about what did happen. If we want time, we have to make it.”

“The measure of our accomplishments in life is not a measure of time that we have to do things; but it’s a measure of what we do with the talents we have.”

THESE THOUGHTS MAY BE FREELY PUBLISHED

PPS

“The principles we live by create the world we live in!”

“When I let go of who (and what) I think I am, then I become all that I am capable of being.”

“When I let go of who (and what) I think I am, then I become all that I am capable of being.”
– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

http://goo.gl/vTpjk

“When I let go of who (and what) I think I am, then I become all that I am capable of being.”
– craig (as adapted and inspired from Lao Tzu)

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

YOU can be a Champion of Hope (to others)

Be a Champion of Hope (to others)

Be a Champion of Hope (to others)

You too can be a Champion of hope

Be a Champion of Hope (to others)

YOU can a Champion of Hope (in some small yet significant way to many others)

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