Some of the worst words a teacher can here are...summer vacation is over. It hurts to say it. It hurts to think it. Don't get me wrong. I like what I do. I appreciate the fact that I am lucky to have a job, especially with what seems like billions of teachers losing theirs. Still, summer vacation is my favorite time of year. I love the peace of knowing I can go at my own pace, I am stress-free, and have much more time for personal enjoyment.
All good things must come to an end. This is my last week of summer vacation, and the hurried pace has already begun. The part time job I've had this summer has all of a sudden provided full time work. And I need to make some preparations before going back to school on Monday.
However, all is not lost. I have sworn to myself that I will be a much better time manager when school starts. Yes, I've said this before, and it seems like I became worse. This time is different. A while ago I shared a great tip from an author about time management. He suggested breaking the day into 15 minute chunks of time. 15 minutes is enough to accomplish something, and short enough to get back on track if we stray. When we consciously focus on those 15 minute bits of time and plan accordingly, it is amazing how much more we can get done. After a while it becomes habit.
What's to gain? First, we are least likely to procrastinate. The result is then peace of mind. Remember how positive you feel when the to-do list is taken care of? This instead of the stress you feel when it's not, and you have those uncompleted tasks clogging your mind. Also, when the necessary things are done, you will find that you have more time to enjoy yourself and do those fun things you've been putting off. You can't lose!
As I said, all good things must come to an end. However, the time management lessons I learn over the next few weeks could be the start of great things. I challenge anyone else to take this same step. Break your day into 15 minute sections. Try to accomplish something in each of them. I definitely believe it will help you as it helps me when I stay disciplined with this approach.
Have an excellent day!
Wednesday, August 17, 2011
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Can Money Fall From Trees?
I wrote a blog post the other day about maintaining the correct mindset to bring more money into your life. In that post I said that, even though the thought process must be right, one must take necessary action because money doesn't just fall from trees. Well, I may have lied.
When we have the correct mindset about money, interesting things happen. Today when I went through our incoming mail, I found a letter addressed to my wife and I. There was no return address. Inside was an anonymous note saying we may need some help with school supplies. This along with two $100 bills.
My thoughts about money have been good lately. Was it my thoughts that brought the money to me? Partially. As I mentioned in that previous blog (see "A Free Way To Increase Your Income), when we pray and maintain correct thoughts it helps develop the faith necessary for miracles. Along with correct thinking, I believe it is important to know who this money was from. Not so much the human individual. I will probably never know who sent this. I have some ideas, but the people I'm thinking of would be too humble to ever admit they sent it and would never tell. Regardless, I have asked God to bless whoever it is a thousand times over. I know He will do that. Speaking of God, I credit Him for this blessing. I believe it was His idea in the first place, and He planted the idea and resources into my mysterious blesser's hands. I have not stopped thanking Him all day.
Based on my faithful thoughts, I expected to receive some extra money. I did not expect to receive it this way. That's the cool thing about God's miracles. We often receive them in ways we would never expect.
The last thing I will say about this is the wonderful snowball effect this action has. The giver is blessed by God for his/her actions. I have certainly been blessed. Now I am inspired to do the same for others. When I see someone with similar needs, I will be more inclined to share my money, time, and talents. They will then be blessed at that time. And hopefully, others will be blessed and inspired simply by reading this, and then bless others by sharing it with them.
So...when you are near the trees, look up! You never know what might be falling from them. Enjoy the blessings : )
When we have the correct mindset about money, interesting things happen. Today when I went through our incoming mail, I found a letter addressed to my wife and I. There was no return address. Inside was an anonymous note saying we may need some help with school supplies. This along with two $100 bills.
My thoughts about money have been good lately. Was it my thoughts that brought the money to me? Partially. As I mentioned in that previous blog (see "A Free Way To Increase Your Income), when we pray and maintain correct thoughts it helps develop the faith necessary for miracles. Along with correct thinking, I believe it is important to know who this money was from. Not so much the human individual. I will probably never know who sent this. I have some ideas, but the people I'm thinking of would be too humble to ever admit they sent it and would never tell. Regardless, I have asked God to bless whoever it is a thousand times over. I know He will do that. Speaking of God, I credit Him for this blessing. I believe it was His idea in the first place, and He planted the idea and resources into my mysterious blesser's hands. I have not stopped thanking Him all day.
Based on my faithful thoughts, I expected to receive some extra money. I did not expect to receive it this way. That's the cool thing about God's miracles. We often receive them in ways we would never expect.
The last thing I will say about this is the wonderful snowball effect this action has. The giver is blessed by God for his/her actions. I have certainly been blessed. Now I am inspired to do the same for others. When I see someone with similar needs, I will be more inclined to share my money, time, and talents. They will then be blessed at that time. And hopefully, others will be blessed and inspired simply by reading this, and then bless others by sharing it with them.
So...when you are near the trees, look up! You never know what might be falling from them. Enjoy the blessings : )
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
No Such Thing As Impossible
I was listening to a great song by the Christian music group Kutless. It's called "What Faith Can Do". It's a very inspirational song about the power of faith.
I've heard this song many times, but especially noticed one of the lines in the song for the first time. It says.."impossible is not a word. It's just a reason for someone not to try".
I don't know about you, but I procrastinate more than I should. I find that many of the times I do, it's because I'm afraid of failing or I'm not exactly sure that things will turn out right. Instead, if I demonstrated the faith I say I have, I would know that all things are possible, and I would be much quicker to act.
I remind myself, and anyone reading this....nothing is impossible!!! The key Bible verse says, with God all things are possible. Remember this next time you think of putting something off, especially a goal, a dream, or anything that will bring more positivty into your world.
Knowing that impossible is not a word, don't use it as an excuse to not try or to delay necessary actions. Instead, have faith and act accordingly. God will make all things possible and guide you every step of the way. Then you will see great things happen. As the main theme of the Kutless song says..."that's what faith can do". Enjoy the blessings!
Monday, August 8, 2011
A Free Way To Increase Your Income
Are you someone who is looking to make money online? It is my dream to make an excellent living from the comfort of my own home, and I strongly believe it will happen one day.
There are a billion ads online advertising ways to make increase your income. Many seem like they could work. The problem is, in almost all cases, you have to pay a fee to buy a program or get the magic formula. I know you have to spend money to make money, but if I spent it on all of these opportunities I would go broke instead of making the money I am looking for.
I will say that there is a free way to increase your income, and it doesn't take much effort. In fact, you can have lots of fun with this. Are you ready?.....
As I continue to read and study the mind and its power, I see more and more how we can use our minds to accomplish anything. This is not something that one book says. I have read about 30 (and counting), and they ALL say it!! Even the greatest book of all, the Bible, clearly outlines benefits of positive thoughts.
So how can just thinking about money bring it to you? From what I'm reading, it's a subconscious thing. You may be thinking...so money is going to fall from the sky just because I am thinking about it? I wish it was that easy. However, the more we see ourselves with the money in our imagination, the more likely we are to see it show up in our lives. It's not about willing it into our lives. It's not about figuring out how we can keep it all to ourselves. And it's not about just sittting around waiting for it. It is about generating good, positive feelings about money. It is about figuring out how we will use it to bless ourselves and others. And it is about developing faith and taking necessary action according to that faith.
Faith is exactly what happens when we think positive thoughts about money, or anything. I shared recently that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. I wrote that our thoughts are substance, and our desires are things hoped for. When we see money in our imagination, we are creating that evidence. Remember that our subconscious cannot tell the difference between what is real or imagined. The more you imagine it, the more you start to believe you can have it. Once you have that faith, pray for and seek opportunities to make it happen. Be sure to act immediately on the answers and guidance you receive from your intuition. I believe that intuition is the voice of God guiding and directing you.
I have seen this work in my own life. As I rid myself of negative money thoughts, and replace them with postive ones, I gradually see more money coming into my life. The more I maintain these positive thoughts, the more opportunities I receive. The same is true for anyone.
So instead of paying for those money-making opportunities and hoping they work out, see yourself as the prosperous person you want to be. Mentally experience the great things it will bring. Imagine the blessing you can be to the people in your life. Then act on the opportunities that inevitably follow. The more you keep these positive thoughts in your head, the faster you will see the results you are looking for. How much does this wonderful opportunity cost? It's free!
Enjoy the blessings!!
There are a billion ads online advertising ways to make increase your income. Many seem like they could work. The problem is, in almost all cases, you have to pay a fee to buy a program or get the magic formula. I know you have to spend money to make money, but if I spent it on all of these opportunities I would go broke instead of making the money I am looking for.
I will say that there is a free way to increase your income, and it doesn't take much effort. In fact, you can have lots of fun with this. Are you ready?.....
As I continue to read and study the mind and its power, I see more and more how we can use our minds to accomplish anything. This is not something that one book says. I have read about 30 (and counting), and they ALL say it!! Even the greatest book of all, the Bible, clearly outlines benefits of positive thoughts.
So how can just thinking about money bring it to you? From what I'm reading, it's a subconscious thing. You may be thinking...so money is going to fall from the sky just because I am thinking about it? I wish it was that easy. However, the more we see ourselves with the money in our imagination, the more likely we are to see it show up in our lives. It's not about willing it into our lives. It's not about figuring out how we can keep it all to ourselves. And it's not about just sittting around waiting for it. It is about generating good, positive feelings about money. It is about figuring out how we will use it to bless ourselves and others. And it is about developing faith and taking necessary action according to that faith.
Faith is exactly what happens when we think positive thoughts about money, or anything. I shared recently that faith is the substance of things hoped for and the evidence of things unseen. I wrote that our thoughts are substance, and our desires are things hoped for. When we see money in our imagination, we are creating that evidence. Remember that our subconscious cannot tell the difference between what is real or imagined. The more you imagine it, the more you start to believe you can have it. Once you have that faith, pray for and seek opportunities to make it happen. Be sure to act immediately on the answers and guidance you receive from your intuition. I believe that intuition is the voice of God guiding and directing you.
I have seen this work in my own life. As I rid myself of negative money thoughts, and replace them with postive ones, I gradually see more money coming into my life. The more I maintain these positive thoughts, the more opportunities I receive. The same is true for anyone.
So instead of paying for those money-making opportunities and hoping they work out, see yourself as the prosperous person you want to be. Mentally experience the great things it will bring. Imagine the blessing you can be to the people in your life. Then act on the opportunities that inevitably follow. The more you keep these positive thoughts in your head, the faster you will see the results you are looking for. How much does this wonderful opportunity cost? It's free!
Enjoy the blessings!!
Sunday, August 7, 2011
A Way To Benefit From The Past
I often write on this site about the importance of focusing on the present instead of the past. However, I do a little mental exercise every once in a while that does focus on past events. I find it very helpful.
We often focus on the negatives of our past. The mistakes we've made; the people we've let down; the could have, should haves. However, for each of us, there are events in our past we are proud of. The times we've accomplished the goal; people we've helped; the successes. It is these that I focus on.
Sometimes I like to play a little game. I am very good at associating songs with the time of my life that they were popular. The game is, when a song comes on the radio, I bring myself back to that time of my life and re-live what I was doing, what I was feeling, who I was with, etc. It is very powerful, as I actually re-live some of those feelings, especially as I review some of the happier times of my life.
I recommend this activity (or something like it) to anyone. Remember a time in your life when things were good and you were extra positive and successful. Then feel the joy and positive emotions again as you re-live it. With this activity some may say I am going against my philosophy and I am living in the past again. If so, I understand. The key is to bring those same feelings to the present, and maintain them. This is especially true if you are having more negative feelings during these prsent days.
As we maintain positive emotions, we see positive events in our lives and receive positive feedback from those around us. We may not experience the same successes as in the past, but we receive new ones instead. Sometimes the new ones are even more rewarding.
The bottom line is that, when we maintain positive emotions, our overall life turns out that way. This exercise helps us use the past to do so. Instead of using the past to remind you of your past mistakes, use it to remind yourself of the confidence and power that is within you. Know that you can use it as much today as you did in your glory days. If you maintain positive emotions, these present days can be called your glory days. Enjoy the blessings : )
We often focus on the negatives of our past. The mistakes we've made; the people we've let down; the could have, should haves. However, for each of us, there are events in our past we are proud of. The times we've accomplished the goal; people we've helped; the successes. It is these that I focus on.
Sometimes I like to play a little game. I am very good at associating songs with the time of my life that they were popular. The game is, when a song comes on the radio, I bring myself back to that time of my life and re-live what I was doing, what I was feeling, who I was with, etc. It is very powerful, as I actually re-live some of those feelings, especially as I review some of the happier times of my life.
I recommend this activity (or something like it) to anyone. Remember a time in your life when things were good and you were extra positive and successful. Then feel the joy and positive emotions again as you re-live it. With this activity some may say I am going against my philosophy and I am living in the past again. If so, I understand. The key is to bring those same feelings to the present, and maintain them. This is especially true if you are having more negative feelings during these prsent days.
As we maintain positive emotions, we see positive events in our lives and receive positive feedback from those around us. We may not experience the same successes as in the past, but we receive new ones instead. Sometimes the new ones are even more rewarding.
The bottom line is that, when we maintain positive emotions, our overall life turns out that way. This exercise helps us use the past to do so. Instead of using the past to remind you of your past mistakes, use it to remind yourself of the confidence and power that is within you. Know that you can use it as much today as you did in your glory days. If you maintain positive emotions, these present days can be called your glory days. Enjoy the blessings : )
Saturday, August 6, 2011
Drilling Positive Messages Into Your Head
There are several keys to maintaining a positive attitude. One is to keep reminding yourself of the power and confidence you have. The problem with that is that often a small (or sometimes big) voice immediately comes back and says..."no you're not!" Then you are right back where you started.
How do you combat that negative voice? I have found subliminal messages very helpful. They work because the positive messages bypass the negative voice and go straight to the subconscious. As a result, the desired attittudes dominate your mind instead of the negative ones.
Here's an example of a positive video that's helped me. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/qcY9ruWCtEs
How do you combat that negative voice? I have found subliminal messages very helpful. They work because the positive messages bypass the negative voice and go straight to the subconscious. As a result, the desired attittudes dominate your mind instead of the negative ones.
Here's an example of a positive video that's helped me. Enjoy!
http://youtu.be/qcY9ruWCtEs
Friday, August 5, 2011
Is It Really Good To Be Generous?
We all admire people who are generous. Generosity is an admirable quality because it is in indication of a person putting others ahead of themselves. However, does it get us anywhere? Does it really make a difference? After all, it is not easy to sacrifice our own needs to focus on the needs of others. And sometimes there is a price to pay.
This information may answer the question. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This verse sums it up well. The more willing we are to be generous, the more we will see it in our own lives. However, if we read on, we will see that there are further benefits. Verses 10-11 say...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
What does this mean? It tells me that the more generous one is, the more God will provide. God is already able to trust us with what He gives us, and will give us more because He knows we will be generous with that as well. The best part of this whole concept to me is that, by being generous, we glorify God. We bring attention to Him and potentially attract others to Him because our generosity is noticed!
If you are looking to make your Father proud and have positive impacts on His kingdom, then share as much as you can with others. And it doesn't always have to be money. It can be your time, talents, and smile. Anything that you give to others makes a difference. Either way, it's a win-win situation. The people in your life benefit from your generosity, and your own life is showered with blessings.
Knowing this, see what kind of a difference you can make today. Enjoy the blessings : )
This information may answer the question. 2 Corinthians 9:6-7 says: Whoever sows sparingly will also reap sparingly, and whoever sows generously will also reap generously. Each man should give what he has decided in his heart to give, not relunctantly or under compulsion, for God loves a cheerful giver.
This verse sums it up well. The more willing we are to be generous, the more we will see it in our own lives. However, if we read on, we will see that there are further benefits. Verses 10-11 say...Now He who supplies seed to the sower and bread for food will also supply and increase your store of seed and will enlarge the harvest of your righteousness. You will be made rich in every way so that you can be generous on every occasion, and through us your generosity will result in thanksgiving to God.
What does this mean? It tells me that the more generous one is, the more God will provide. God is already able to trust us with what He gives us, and will give us more because He knows we will be generous with that as well. The best part of this whole concept to me is that, by being generous, we glorify God. We bring attention to Him and potentially attract others to Him because our generosity is noticed!
If you are looking to make your Father proud and have positive impacts on His kingdom, then share as much as you can with others. And it doesn't always have to be money. It can be your time, talents, and smile. Anything that you give to others makes a difference. Either way, it's a win-win situation. The people in your life benefit from your generosity, and your own life is showered with blessings.
Knowing this, see what kind of a difference you can make today. Enjoy the blessings : )
Tuesday, August 2, 2011
Moving On
This entry is basically a continuation from yesterday's. It was a bit of a difficult day. However, do I dwell on it? No way!
If I know what's good for me, I'm moving on. I learn from the mistakes, but I am not dwelling on them. Instead, there are plenty of things to accomplish today, and plenty of blessings to be received. It's those positives I focus on today.
When we dwell on our past mistakes, it's like running in the ocean, against the waves. You may take a few steps forward, but you won't get far, and you'll be completely worn out. You may even end up being pushed backwards and lose ground. Instead, when you let go of those past mistakes and focus on God's positive energy, that energy is like floating in a downstream current. With very little effort, you are carried towards your goal, getting there much faster.
Let us move on today...with the flow!! Enjoy the blessings when you get there : )
If I know what's good for me, I'm moving on. I learn from the mistakes, but I am not dwelling on them. Instead, there are plenty of things to accomplish today, and plenty of blessings to be received. It's those positives I focus on today.
When we dwell on our past mistakes, it's like running in the ocean, against the waves. You may take a few steps forward, but you won't get far, and you'll be completely worn out. You may even end up being pushed backwards and lose ground. Instead, when you let go of those past mistakes and focus on God's positive energy, that energy is like floating in a downstream current. With very little effort, you are carried towards your goal, getting there much faster.
Let us move on today...with the flow!! Enjoy the blessings when you get there : )
Monday, August 1, 2011
Gone and Forgotten
Did you ever experience a day with lots of promise, but it doesn't quite turn out that way? And there is no one to blame for it but yourself?
I experienced a day like that today. Nothing major, just some mistakes made and opportunities missed.
The positive part about it, is that I caught the mistakes right away. As soon as I did, I prayed to God for forgiveness. When I did that, I immediately felt a re-assuring calm. My mistakes were gone at that moment. Will I make them again? If I'm honest I'll say maybe. Or even probably. Regardless, the mistakes I made today are gone and forgotten by God. Forever.
Is it really this simple? I answer with a definite yes. The only complications are the ones we add. This basic verse says it...“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). It's up to us to ask. The rest is taken care of by God.
It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and try to avoid doing them again in the future. However, why should we continue to dwell on them and affect our present happiness when God has already forgotten our shortcomings? Instead, let us learn and move on, instead focusing on success. If we do, we are more likely to experience that success.
Have a great day : )
As a way to rapidly manifest your desires and reach the success you are craving, I recommend this free e-book...
The Ease and Keys of Rapid Manifestation
I experienced a day like that today. Nothing major, just some mistakes made and opportunities missed.
The positive part about it, is that I caught the mistakes right away. As soon as I did, I prayed to God for forgiveness. When I did that, I immediately felt a re-assuring calm. My mistakes were gone at that moment. Will I make them again? If I'm honest I'll say maybe. Or even probably. Regardless, the mistakes I made today are gone and forgotten by God. Forever.
Is it really this simple? I answer with a definite yes. The only complications are the ones we add. This basic verse says it...“If we confess our sins, He is faithful and just to forgive us our sins and to cleanse us from all unrighteousness.” (1 John 1:9). It's up to us to ask. The rest is taken care of by God.
It is up to us to learn from our mistakes and try to avoid doing them again in the future. However, why should we continue to dwell on them and affect our present happiness when God has already forgotten our shortcomings? Instead, let us learn and move on, instead focusing on success. If we do, we are more likely to experience that success.
Have a great day : )
As a way to rapidly manifest your desires and reach the success you are craving, I recommend this free e-book...
The Ease and Keys of Rapid Manifestation
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