Can you believe that 2008 is coming to an end?
What a year it's been! For many it has been filled with trials and adversity. It has been a time of great economic uncertainty. And those who live along the Gulf Coast have persevered through one of the most serious hurricane seasons we've faced in years. Yet even in the midst of these earthly trials, 2008 has been a time of great joy and God's abundant blessings.
. . . I have realized that when we face the pressures of life, when financial concerns, health issues, and fears about the future tempt us, we need to remember and claim the promises of God more than ever.
We can't allow the negativity — the reports of doom and gloom — to take root in our hearts and control our thoughts. If you are going to receive everything that God has for you in 2009, you need to keep your faith and hope in the Lord strong through the end of this year.
Let me encourage you to remember God's Word and all of the abundant promises of His protection, provision, hope and a future. These promises become even more significant when we find ourselves troubled.
We have to remind ourselves that God's not mad at us. He's not mad at you — He's madly in love with you. He knows exactly what you are facing, and though you may not feel like it, He has a "double portion" of blessing planned for you and your future. Look at what it says in His Word:
Because you got a double dose of trouble and more than your share of contempt, your inheritance in the land will be doubled and your joy go on forever (Isaiah 61:7 The Message).
What an amazing promise! The prophet Isaiah was speaking to a group of hurting people who refused to give up. They put their trust in God. They didn't let the circumstances of life steal their joy or the promises of a great future. God promised to reward them, and, like always, God made good on His promise.
In 2009, believe that God wants to give you double for your trouble. He wants to give you twice the life — twice the joy, twice the faith, twice the peace, twice the love and twice the hope that you've ever known.
Twice the life doesn't mean that we won't have problems. We're always going to face challenges and obstacles, but we've got to believe that God is for us and He has good things in store for you and me. We have to be determined not to look at how big our mountains are but focus on how big our God is!
Tired, discouraged, negative people drain the life from others. But positive, faith-filled, encouraging, enthusiastic people bless others everywhere they go. They are always looking to give and be a blessing to others, and God promises to give back to them a double portion. No matter your current circumstances, look to share a simple compliment, a kind gesture, a listening ear. These simple gestures can make all the difference in the lives of those around you. Keeping a positive attitude of faith is the key to God unleashing His peace and power in your life.
Would you like to have twice the energy in 2009? What about twice the peace? Twice the answers to your prayers? Twice the satisfaction or twice the purpose? Whatever it is you need today, God wants to give you double for your past troubles!
God's Word says it's possible. All you have to do is be faithful and believe.
It doesn't matter if your past was dark . . . your future is bright. If you feel like you missed your chance . . . it's never too late. And even if you've experienced good things . . .your best is yet to come.
Today is the time to expect greater opportunities, new possibilities, divine connections and miraculous open doors.
Remember, God wants to give you a double portion — or as I like to say . . . twice the life.
This is what I'm expecting in 2009. I want you to have twice the life — to be twice as effective. I want twice the lives to come to know Christ.
This can happen if we finish the year strong together. We can't afford to be afraid, shrink back or quit; we must hold true to our faith. God wants to give you twice the life so you can be blessed and so that you can be a blessing to others. God asks us to give generously, not reluctantly — so that in all things and at all times we will abound for every good work (2 Corinthians 9:7-8).
When I think about all that our nation — and world — is facing right now, I know that Jesus Christ is our only true hope. Our faith must be strong, and our efforts to reach people for Christ must be more effective than ever . . . in fact twice as effective.
Finally, take some time to ask God to give you twice the life in 2009. There is no end to what God can do when you believe.
Expecting great things in 2009.
Taken from Joel Olsteen Ministries
December 30, 2008
I am in the process of reviving my blog, which has been dormant for quite some time now. I still have my virtual assistant business alongside my full-time job, as well as a couple of direct marketing business with Tastefully Simple and Magnabilities. My blog moving forward will consist of my work and businesses and just what happens in life. There is so much to talk about, put down in writing, journal. I think I will start by updating my blog journal and see where this takes me.
Tuesday, December 30, 2008
One Small Step
A read to share as we bring in the New Year--2009!
It's that time of year to whip out your 2008 goal lists and review what was great about the past year and what you want to change for the coming year. Some people get excited when the year-end comes so they can create their new goal lists. Other people get frustrated by their lack of progress in the previous year.
Like I always tell my coaching clients, there are only three reasons to look back into your past.
1. Look at worked and why. Whatever process that made one area of your life work successfully can be used for success in another area.
2. Check out what is not working and turn it into a goal for the future. If you got into debt last year, decide that your goal this year will be to pay down some or all of that debt.
3. Celebrate any and all progress you made. Success happens one step at a time. Momentum is created and soon you'll have an avalanche of beautiful manifestations.
Creating new habits and practices to make manifesting your goals easier should be something you address. For instance, if you rarely take time out for relaxing during your work week, you'll need to implement a new relaxation practice. How will you begin this practice when you feel like there is never enough time in the day to get your tasks done? One small step at a time.
You may begin with sitting down and reading a favorite book while you eat your morning toast or drink your coffee. It may only be ten minutes of relaxing, but that ten minutes will set your mood and vibration in a higher state for the rest of the day. The next small step may be to take a ten minute walk at some point during each day. Or it may be to set a timer to go off every hour to remind you to stop what you are doing and simply breathe for a moment.
You see, most people tend to think they have to go for the gold medal the first time they try. If they don't succeed they say, "See it didn't work. Why bother?!" This is a set up for disappointment and judgment. Any progress is worthy of acknowledgment, even if small. When you're focused on what is working well, you get more of what is working well. If you focus on your progress never being enough, you'll never make enough progress.
Moving up the vibrational scale also happens one small step at a time. If you find yourself angry about a goal not manifesting, let it be okay that you feel angry. Next, see if you can embrace your anger. Then aim at feeling neutral. Next would be the feeling of possibility or hope. Eventually you'll find yourself in belief that your goal will be attained.
Small steps really can be the short cut to everything you desire. Add to that a big dose of pats on your back. Smile inwardly and outwardly when any progress is made and you'll be delighted at the massive amounts of joy and miracles you experience.
Cheers to a mega fun 2009! May you enjoy every small step!
(C) 2008 MasterPeace Coaching
Jeanna Gabellini, CPPC, Law of Attraction Expert, publishes the weekly ezine Designing Your MasterPeace. If you're ready to attract more money, a growing business, and great relationships with fun and ease, get your FREE tips and tools now at www.MasterPeaceCoaching.com
It's that time of year to whip out your 2008 goal lists and review what was great about the past year and what you want to change for the coming year. Some people get excited when the year-end comes so they can create their new goal lists. Other people get frustrated by their lack of progress in the previous year.
Like I always tell my coaching clients, there are only three reasons to look back into your past.
1. Look at worked and why. Whatever process that made one area of your life work successfully can be used for success in another area.
2. Check out what is not working and turn it into a goal for the future. If you got into debt last year, decide that your goal this year will be to pay down some or all of that debt.
3. Celebrate any and all progress you made. Success happens one step at a time. Momentum is created and soon you'll have an avalanche of beautiful manifestations.
Creating new habits and practices to make manifesting your goals easier should be something you address. For instance, if you rarely take time out for relaxing during your work week, you'll need to implement a new relaxation practice. How will you begin this practice when you feel like there is never enough time in the day to get your tasks done? One small step at a time.
You may begin with sitting down and reading a favorite book while you eat your morning toast or drink your coffee. It may only be ten minutes of relaxing, but that ten minutes will set your mood and vibration in a higher state for the rest of the day. The next small step may be to take a ten minute walk at some point during each day. Or it may be to set a timer to go off every hour to remind you to stop what you are doing and simply breathe for a moment.
You see, most people tend to think they have to go for the gold medal the first time they try. If they don't succeed they say, "See it didn't work. Why bother?!" This is a set up for disappointment and judgment. Any progress is worthy of acknowledgment, even if small. When you're focused on what is working well, you get more of what is working well. If you focus on your progress never being enough, you'll never make enough progress.
Moving up the vibrational scale also happens one small step at a time. If you find yourself angry about a goal not manifesting, let it be okay that you feel angry. Next, see if you can embrace your anger. Then aim at feeling neutral. Next would be the feeling of possibility or hope. Eventually you'll find yourself in belief that your goal will be attained.
Small steps really can be the short cut to everything you desire. Add to that a big dose of pats on your back. Smile inwardly and outwardly when any progress is made and you'll be delighted at the massive amounts of joy and miracles you experience.
Cheers to a mega fun 2009! May you enjoy every small step!
(C) 2008 MasterPeace Coaching
Jeanna Gabellini, CPPC, Law of Attraction Expert, publishes the weekly ezine Designing Your MasterPeace. If you're ready to attract more money, a growing business, and great relationships with fun and ease, get your FREE tips and tools now at www.MasterPeaceCoaching.com
Tuesday, December 23, 2008
"The Simple Truths of Appreciation"
Watch This Movie!
This really touched my heart this morning, and we all should be more sensitive to those around us all year round, and not just during the holidays. I really do appreciate those people who are in my life!
This really touched my heart this morning, and we all should be more sensitive to those around us all year round, and not just during the holidays. I really do appreciate those people who are in my life!
Thursday, December 18, 2008
Obama Defends Choice of Evangelical Pastor
Well, I didn't vote for Obama, but the people have decided and I will stand by in support of our President. For those of who think that he is able to please everyone, well, this write-up just goes to show that we do have to learn to agree to disagree . . . from msn.com.
Obama Defends Pastor Warren
Obama Defends Pastor Warren
Daily Motivation
there are only promises and hopes; but no plans.
-- Peter F. Drucker
Watch This Movie!
Wednesday, December 17, 2008
UPDATE - DOWNTOWN CORE VISION 12-08
The latest Newsletter recap of EDAW & Economic Development Agency’s last November workshop is available. The newsletter is on the EDA website: www.sbrda.org. Hard copies are available at EDA, City Hall, City Clerk’s Office, Libraries and various business and public locations downtown.
Thank you for your comments and support of this important City project. For additional information please contact: Jeff Smith/EDA 909-663-1044; jsmith@sbrda.org.
Thank you for your comments and support of this important City project. For additional information please contact: Jeff Smith/EDA 909-663-1044; jsmith@sbrda.org.
Stop Negative Self-Talk! Five Ways to Build Confidence and Happiness - By Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D.
It seems our culture is ridden with negativity from the media, old parental messages, or even advertising that tells us we're not good, smart, or fast enough. Even outdated ideas we carry from our own past that we've generated all on our own can derail us off the positive thought track and send us into a fit of negativity. How can we quickly change our energy around and build more confidence and happiness?
Recognize non-empowering thoughts
If we believe everything that is put in front of us, we are not exercising our creativity and the power of our own mind. We are taking the easy road and subscribing to mainstream thought, which often does not have the equivalent of goodness. It's easier to let someone else do your thinking, isn't it? To shift away from negative, self-defeating thoughts, you must first recognize them. Here are a few classics: "I am not beautiful nor talented. I can't be happy. Life is hard. The world is a terrible place. I will probably fail. I'll never make any money." Awareness of what we are thinking is the first step, so learn to listen to your words, whether mental or spoken.
Set a new mental equivalent
What we think, and how we set our mental equivalent on any given day, sets the tone for what the universe will provide for us. If we want success, prosperity, better relationships, more self-confidence, or love, then that's where our mind needs to be -- not once in a while but all the time. Substitute the disasters on the morning news with a sense of positive expectation for your day. Rise out of negativity in as many ways as you can identify. Think great thoughts about everyone. See yourself as a success and that you've come to the planet with a gift. Practice verbal harmlessness (no swearing!) and know you are a worthy individual. Switch on the positive thought channel the minute you arise each day and consciously invite abundance and opportunity into your experience.
Know that thoughts create reality
In today's merge of mysticism, psychology, religion, science, and philosophy, western thinking is moving away from hard data and proof. Our culture is interested in illustrating the concept that thoughts create reality. Logical positivism had its field day, and people are beginning to embrace the power of the mind at the intuitive and spiritual level.
To turn negative self-talk around, you must discover where your mind is ingrained with patterns of negative expectation. This was discussed in the movie "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" Our neuro networks become ingrained in patterns that make us search for a chemical "hit" in our interpretation of reality. In a nutshell, when we continue to stay in negative thought patterns that do not serve our higher purpose, we are destined to keep repeating the same life experiences over and over again because we will never view reality any differently. Our lives will never improve, and living with joy seems unattainable because we are generating more of what we don't want.
Negative thoughts have a physical effect on our bodies
Our thoughts, memories, and emotions are not only part of our mental programming, but have a physiological effect on our bodies. Scientists have determined that we hard-wire our own brains by our associative memory: our associations with people, events, times, places, and things. We assign emotions to the memories recorded in complex strings of nerve cells wired together. The strings become networks of information we can access automatically at any time.
Connections between our nerve cells are strengthened when repeatedly stimulated in a process called "long term potentiation." Through associative learning, our brains are not only programmed by ordinary experiences but by extreme circumstances. Trauma actually changes the structure and function of the brain.
We rely upon many automatic programs to function. Neural networks give us an opportunity to shift into "cruise control." We don't have to think about making every keystroke when typing; we just do. We've established the network by repetition.
Thoughts affect our bodies, especially any thoughts that have become patterns that don't serve us well. For example, putting yourself down is based upon old information and not the powerful, present moment. Old experiences like despair, low self-esteem, and self-pity are emotions that give us a chemical boost of neuropeptides, which guide our perception of our current day choices.
Cancel old thoughts and substitute powerful ideas
Want to feel better and stop negative self-talk? Prune your old negative programming and take charge of your current circumstances. New positive thoughts create new systems in the brain, which produce new chemistry associated with new emotional change. Break your "put down" habit neuron-by-neuron and learn to react differently to life! The next time you catch yourself in a put-down, say out loud, "I cancel that" and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you.
It's vital to remember that your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and physicality are intertwined. Negative self-talk down can make you feel unmotivated and physically ill. Moving your mind to a new way of being is a healthy habit you need to cultivate. Here are 5 quick ways to shift to the positive self-talk channel:
1. Check your state of mind. Choose your own attitude and emotions, not another person's outlook on life. Focus your intentions in the present moment. Because we have a choice, life originates in the mind first. As within, so without. Be consciously aware of what you want to create -- and claim it as your unique mantra.
2. Focus on today. Step away from old memories, past relationships, and hurts. Attend to the present. Find joy in what you bring to the table today. Take a deep breath, stay centered, and remind yourself you are a gift to the world!
3. See the big picture. In the universal equation, today is but a blink in time. Move gracefully through difficult moments with ease because you are not stuck there permanently -- you are going "through it"! You can do this without depleting your energy reserves by making a commitment to doing so. Remember, life goes all too quickly. Make each day count and quit wasting your energy on negative thoughts, unproductive thinking, and who said what to whom 10 years ago.
4. Release negative expectation. Focus on what YOU can do to contribute to a better world and not what others expect you to do. Pace yourself. As you practice positive expectation, you'll find that better circumstances will be attracted to you naturally. Have faith in the process!
5. Be thankful. There is no better way to change your energy than to turn up the volume on thankfulness. If you are thankful for what makes you happy, by the Law of Attraction, the universe will provide you with MORE to be thankful for. Be generous with gratitude -- to those in your life who care, to your Higher Power, and to yourself for beginning an individual spark of Divine Power. Your natural state is unlimited abundance, so be thankful for all you are and your journey.
© The Goddess Network, Inc. and Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D. 2007. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Dr. Charlene M. Proctor is the founder of The Goddess Network, Inc., an online educational resource for topics on spirituality, relationships, and women's studies. Author of "Let Your Goddess Grow!" she is a researcher and educator in the field of women's empowerment and develops self-empowerment strategies for women in all walks of life. She is a subject matter expert for Beliefnet.com. Her affirmations from "The Women's Book of Empowerment" reach 2.7 million web visitors daily. She currently facilitates the PATH to Empowerment program for Lighthouse Path in Michigan, a residential women's shelter for homeless mothers, teaching them how to cope with life and increase self-esteem and confidence. To learn more, visit http://www.thegoddessnetwork.net
Check out the Experts page for Charlene M. Proctor, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Positive Thinking.
Recognize non-empowering thoughts
If we believe everything that is put in front of us, we are not exercising our creativity and the power of our own mind. We are taking the easy road and subscribing to mainstream thought, which often does not have the equivalent of goodness. It's easier to let someone else do your thinking, isn't it? To shift away from negative, self-defeating thoughts, you must first recognize them. Here are a few classics: "I am not beautiful nor talented. I can't be happy. Life is hard. The world is a terrible place. I will probably fail. I'll never make any money." Awareness of what we are thinking is the first step, so learn to listen to your words, whether mental or spoken.
Set a new mental equivalent
What we think, and how we set our mental equivalent on any given day, sets the tone for what the universe will provide for us. If we want success, prosperity, better relationships, more self-confidence, or love, then that's where our mind needs to be -- not once in a while but all the time. Substitute the disasters on the morning news with a sense of positive expectation for your day. Rise out of negativity in as many ways as you can identify. Think great thoughts about everyone. See yourself as a success and that you've come to the planet with a gift. Practice verbal harmlessness (no swearing!) and know you are a worthy individual. Switch on the positive thought channel the minute you arise each day and consciously invite abundance and opportunity into your experience.
Know that thoughts create reality
In today's merge of mysticism, psychology, religion, science, and philosophy, western thinking is moving away from hard data and proof. Our culture is interested in illustrating the concept that thoughts create reality. Logical positivism had its field day, and people are beginning to embrace the power of the mind at the intuitive and spiritual level.
To turn negative self-talk around, you must discover where your mind is ingrained with patterns of negative expectation. This was discussed in the movie "What the Bleep Do We Know!?" Our neuro networks become ingrained in patterns that make us search for a chemical "hit" in our interpretation of reality. In a nutshell, when we continue to stay in negative thought patterns that do not serve our higher purpose, we are destined to keep repeating the same life experiences over and over again because we will never view reality any differently. Our lives will never improve, and living with joy seems unattainable because we are generating more of what we don't want.
Negative thoughts have a physical effect on our bodies
Our thoughts, memories, and emotions are not only part of our mental programming, but have a physiological effect on our bodies. Scientists have determined that we hard-wire our own brains by our associative memory: our associations with people, events, times, places, and things. We assign emotions to the memories recorded in complex strings of nerve cells wired together. The strings become networks of information we can access automatically at any time.
Connections between our nerve cells are strengthened when repeatedly stimulated in a process called "long term potentiation." Through associative learning, our brains are not only programmed by ordinary experiences but by extreme circumstances. Trauma actually changes the structure and function of the brain.
We rely upon many automatic programs to function. Neural networks give us an opportunity to shift into "cruise control." We don't have to think about making every keystroke when typing; we just do. We've established the network by repetition.
Thoughts affect our bodies, especially any thoughts that have become patterns that don't serve us well. For example, putting yourself down is based upon old information and not the powerful, present moment. Old experiences like despair, low self-esteem, and self-pity are emotions that give us a chemical boost of neuropeptides, which guide our perception of our current day choices.
Cancel old thoughts and substitute powerful ideas
Want to feel better and stop negative self-talk? Prune your old negative programming and take charge of your current circumstances. New positive thoughts create new systems in the brain, which produce new chemistry associated with new emotional change. Break your "put down" habit neuron-by-neuron and learn to react differently to life! The next time you catch yourself in a put-down, say out loud, "I cancel that" and instantly substitute a new and powerful thought about you.
It's vital to remember that your thoughts, emotions, beliefs, and physicality are intertwined. Negative self-talk down can make you feel unmotivated and physically ill. Moving your mind to a new way of being is a healthy habit you need to cultivate. Here are 5 quick ways to shift to the positive self-talk channel:
1. Check your state of mind. Choose your own attitude and emotions, not another person's outlook on life. Focus your intentions in the present moment. Because we have a choice, life originates in the mind first. As within, so without. Be consciously aware of what you want to create -- and claim it as your unique mantra.
2. Focus on today. Step away from old memories, past relationships, and hurts. Attend to the present. Find joy in what you bring to the table today. Take a deep breath, stay centered, and remind yourself you are a gift to the world!
3. See the big picture. In the universal equation, today is but a blink in time. Move gracefully through difficult moments with ease because you are not stuck there permanently -- you are going "through it"! You can do this without depleting your energy reserves by making a commitment to doing so. Remember, life goes all too quickly. Make each day count and quit wasting your energy on negative thoughts, unproductive thinking, and who said what to whom 10 years ago.
4. Release negative expectation. Focus on what YOU can do to contribute to a better world and not what others expect you to do. Pace yourself. As you practice positive expectation, you'll find that better circumstances will be attracted to you naturally. Have faith in the process!
5. Be thankful. There is no better way to change your energy than to turn up the volume on thankfulness. If you are thankful for what makes you happy, by the Law of Attraction, the universe will provide you with MORE to be thankful for. Be generous with gratitude -- to those in your life who care, to your Higher Power, and to yourself for beginning an individual spark of Divine Power. Your natural state is unlimited abundance, so be thankful for all you are and your journey.
© The Goddess Network, Inc. and Charlene M. Proctor, Ph.D. 2007. All Rights Reserved.
About the Author:
Dr. Charlene M. Proctor is the founder of The Goddess Network, Inc., an online educational resource for topics on spirituality, relationships, and women's studies. Author of "Let Your Goddess Grow!" she is a researcher and educator in the field of women's empowerment and develops self-empowerment strategies for women in all walks of life. She is a subject matter expert for Beliefnet.com. Her affirmations from "The Women's Book of Empowerment" reach 2.7 million web visitors daily. She currently facilitates the PATH to Empowerment program for Lighthouse Path in Michigan, a residential women's shelter for homeless mothers, teaching them how to cope with life and increase self-esteem and confidence. To learn more, visit http://www.thegoddessnetwork.net
Check out the Experts page for Charlene M. Proctor, the Official SelfGrowth.com Guide to Positive Thinking.
Friday, December 12, 2008
The Power of 10%
Amazing video to watch--The Power of 10%
Just imagine if we gave 50%, 75% or 100%--how much power would be available and the things that could be accomplished!
Just imagine if we gave 50%, 75% or 100%--how much power would be available and the things that could be accomplished!
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