Helping Kids Understand Deep Concepts

The Sid Series is a unique collection of short stories rooted in imagination and truth to
expand our awareness and tell us something about ourselves. These 12 stories deal
with different topics that children and adults have a difficult time understanding and believing.

This collection of body-mind-spirit stories highlights unique lessons about love, acceptance, self-worth, caring for the body, diversity, facing fears, dealing with change, experiencing the death of a pet, using spiritual gifts, and understanding paranormal experiences today’s children exhibit.

Read more at TheSidSeries.com

Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment

Today we welcome Lewis Tagliaferre, author of the book Voices of Sedona: A Spiritual Path to Serenity and Contentment and his accompanying blog. These two pieces combine to form Lessons from Sedona, The Course in Theofatalism. He is sharing a discussion about his work with Sarah Moore, Author’s Assistant for Writers in the Sky.

SARAH: Welcome to Writers in the Sky. As I mentioned in the introduction, your work is produced in order to share with others the idea of Theofatalism™. Will you give us a brief overview of this belief system?

LEWIS: It is very simple, but yet complex enough to explain what people need to feel good inside no matter what happens outside. God is in control of all that happens in the cosmos, from the very small to the very large, and that certainly includes all the lives of all the people on earth, in addition to all of its other forms of life too. Hence, theofatalism. It comes with five principles of reality. Its symbol is the ancient Chartres Labyrinth, which illustrates there is only one way to walk the pathway of life, God’s way.

SARAH: You mention throughout your work that the information is taught to you through the spiritual teaching of Sedona M. Schnebly, the namesake of the resort town in Arizona who passed away more than fifty years ago. How did this teacher-student relationship begin?

LEWIS: I discovered Sedona on a side trip to the Grand Canyon during my business travel in 1987. It immediately attracted me and called me back again and again. When I saw the sculpture of Sedona herself in front of the library, there was a call to know her and her life better. That led me to the discovery of these principles from teachers through my creative imagination during subsequent visits that began as a personal journal and then became the book, Voices of Sedona.
SARAH: What is your response to those who may be skeptical of the idea of receiving your material from channeled spirits?

LEWIS: I personally do not have the education or background to support this work so I can only say it comes from a different source, a Higher Power. After all, one can assume that all creativity, be it music, art, poetry or whatever is more than the work of the artist. And the Church does support the notion of a communion of saints with its implications for continuing relationships after life. After all, those who pray to the saints do so with faith so I find no difficulty now in assuming the saints may contact us too. One of them may be Sedona.

SARAH: What initially prompted your study of this new path?
LEWIS: The untimely death of my wife through ten years of breast cancer in 1985 produced a shock that I could not anticipate. My traditional faith was not able to provide the support I needed to go on without her, so I entered therapy and that led to reading and to meditation and to journaling which produced the present work. It actually is the third work of a trilogy; the others involved recovery from loss and living the single's life in this ad-hoc culture.
SARAH: Your blog tackles many of the current events that are making headlines in the news. Is this writing meant to provide a theofatalistic perspective on relevant stories, or is there another purpose?

LEWIS: Much of the daily news seems to be reports of events that would only be described as insane, unless there is some other explanation. I hear a voice saying “tell them, tell them”...and what it wants to say is that nothing that happens is outside the will of God, nor can it be. The discussions in the essays all point to that conclusion from many different aspects and topics, including economics, psychology, politics, science, religion, history, and more.

SARAH: How do you hope people will use the material presented in your book and blog?
LEWIS: First, I hope they will start discussing it with others, maybe in family and local support groups. Most people are so busy making a living they have no time to prepare for the shocks of life that are sure to come, so this could be a powerful short cut to readiness. Second, I hope it will help remove the blindfold of complacency that could enable them to see reality as it really is, just as a child must let go of Santa Claus and move into maturity. The spiritual opportunity for growth is unlimited, but most people stop growing when the pain gets troubling. This work helps me to grow so it may also help others.

SARAH: How long did it take you to write the material for Voices of Sedona?

LEWIS: All my life. I suppose it is a natural result of theofatalism in my own life. It is the inevitable result of all that has come before. Sort of like putting together a jig saw puzzle without the picture on the box.

SARAH: How did you publish your book? Tell me about your publishing experience and what you learned from it.

LEWIS: I have done a lot of writing in my career, including magazine articles and trade business literature, so journaling was a natural aspect of therapy for me. The first book, Recovery from Loss was commercially published, but I self published Kisses aren’t Contracts as well as Voices of Sedona. I learned that unless somebody pays you for it, writing is a labor of self-expression that may not be discovered in one’s lifetime. Some of the greatest contributions were not valued until after death of the artist, and I am prepared for that.
SARAH: What kind of feedback are you receiving from people who have read your work?

LEWIS: Well, it has ranged from “you saved my life” to “I just cannot believe in that”...all in God’s will of course. I am comforted by St. Thomas a Kempis; “It is more profitable to leave everyone to his way of thinking than to give way to contentious discourses.” It takes special eyes to see God in everything, else the shock would be too great. But, for those who are ready the teacher has come.
SARAH: Do you have any future writing projects in the works?
LEWIS: I am retired from my career so that gives me the time to check news every day and that stimulates new topics and contents for the Sedona essays on the blog. I have not published them in a book as they are still a work in progress and seem to have a life of their own that needs constant revision. Perhaps the blog will become an ebook, maybe a commentary on our times for future historians. I would be pleased if some churches would take up this work.

SARAH: Is there anything else you want our readers to know about the compiled work that is Lessons from Sedona?

LEWIS: Well, I think they are like gravity. They don’t need your permission, but you cannot avoid them, and you may reduce suffering a lot if you understand the Principles of Sedona as developed in Voices of Sedona and the blog at http://www.sedonavoices.blog.com/. All in the will of God of course. Thank you.
SARAH: Thank you for giving us the opportunity to get to know you and learn about your work.

Please visit the Amazon website to purchase Voices of Sedona. The book also can be purchased through Barnes and Noble or iUniverse.

Shifting from Religion to Metaphysics

Yvonne Perry's personal story about how she shifted from being a religious fanatic to embracing a metaphysical understanding of life.

Shifting from Misfit to Miss Fit

Being raised in a conservative Baptist church, my religious training started when I was two weeks old and my parents dedicated me to God. As I grew up, I never questioned my family’s strict, yet inconsistent, hypocritical moral code until I became a teenager. Even then, I never got into any serious trouble as I left home at seventeen to marry. My first husband and I raised our children in an independent, severely fundamental, Baptist Church where everything was taboo. Sin was spelled “f-u-n” so, if there was fun to be had, we couldn’t join in. When my marriage ended 22 years later, I began to question everything I had ever been taught and found that many of my religious beliefs no longer served me.

That was a turning point in my life. Some fundamentalists love a martyr to the point that they teach codependency, female subservience, and total allegiance to their leaders. I had been taught that a wife should submit to the rule of her husband, to never question God or her pastor, and that all the circumstances in my life were not my fault—it was simply God’s will for me to suffer. I was disempowered to believe that I was not responsible for my miserable life, so I kept waiting for God to bail me out or change my situation.

I felt like a misfit because inwardly I didn’t really agree with the doctrine of my religion. I often tried to balk the system when certain “rules” were being mandated to the congregation. I was often rejected or asked to leave a fellowship for voicing an opinion that questioned authority of the leadership or the validity of the church’s rules and regulations.

You can imagine how greatly I repressed my spiritual gifts while in this religion. I had dreams with premonitions, prophetic visions, apparitions and visits from the deceased, and some very bizarre physical manifestations while in intercessory prayer!


Shifting from Saint to Sinner


By this time, my son had met and married an eclectic Pagan woman. That totally blew my mind because of all the preconceived ideas I held and the things my religion had taught about people who were not Christian. Surely, this Pagan gal was possessed of the devil and going to hell! But Amanda was such a beautiful person inside and out. How could she, the woman my son loved so much, possibly be a bad person? Spending time with her opened my eyes and my mind. Not only was she an honest, committed, loving soul, I came to find out that she didn’t even believe in the devil! Gasp!

After that, I researched and studied all types of religion and found both truth and myths in each one. I found that the Bible had been altered many times to serve the agendas of politicians and leaders of the early Church and Roman government. That knowledge gave me “permission” to keep exploring without worrying that God would strike me with a lightning bolt.

I ended my relationship with religious establishments and sought my own path to find the connection that already existed with my Creator. That connection was not based on rules or doctrine. As I moved away from the system of religion, I began to trust my intuition and heed the inner voice that I had been ignoring for years. I began to take personal responsibility for my choices, and I regained my power as I exercised my free will rather than allowing people to walk all over me.

Shifting from Grand Mal to Grandma

I began my metaphysical studies in 2001. That is the same year my first biological grandson, Sidney, was born to my son, Zeb, and his wife, Amanda. Little did I know how much that sweet child would influence me to allow my spiritual gifts to start flowing once again.

Sidney manifested psychic gifts at an early age. In fact, Sid was able to communicate with me telepathically from the time he was born. He exhibited the gift of premonition at about age nine months, He was able to see spirits and used a magic potion to heal a crippled dog at age three. When he would spend the night at my house, he would wake up and tell me about his astral travel. But to top it all off he channeled his higher self at age three!

We were driving down the road when he said, “You and grandpa were married once, weren’t you?”
“Yes,” I said, “and we have two children: your dad and Aunt Say-Say.”

“You were supposed to have three,” he said in a very grown up voice.

I immediately remembered the time in 1978 when I thought I might have been pregnant. Back then, home pregnancy kits weren’t that reliable and they were expensive. I was about to schedule a doctor’s appointment to have a blood test, but I never got that far. I started bleeding and having terrible cramps, so I assumed I was not pregnant or else I was having a miscarriage, but I never knew for sure until Sid said, “You wouldn’t let me in.”

Oh, my god, I thought to myself. I was pregnant! I did have a miscarriage. Sidney is the soul who would have been born to me years ago.

“Oh, Sidney,” I said. “I’m sorry my body told you not to come then, but I am very glad you are my grandson now.”

“You let my daddy and aunt Say-Say in,” Sid insisted.

I gulped to keep from crying. “Sidney, you are a special child with supernatural gifts. If you had come to me as my son in 1978, I would not have been able to nurture you in your spiritual path. I would have done everything to stop you from being who you are. It really is best that you are with me now and not back then.”

None of this stuff was referenced in the Bible that I had so tenaciously clung to for 40 years. I had to shift my thinking in order to accept this “old soul” (as he called himself) into my life.

I learned so much from him that I wrote a series of stories for and about Sidney. He is the inspiration behind The Sid Series ~ A Collection of Holistic Stories for Children. I invite you to read the book and share the stories with your children and grandchildren. http://TheSidSeries.com
~~~~~~~~~
Yvonne Perry is a freelance writer and editor, award-winning Amazon.com bestselling author, podcast host, blogger extraordinaire, newsletter publisher, Internet marketing guru, and an outstanding keynote speaker. She is a graduate of American Institute of Holistic Theology where she earned a Bachelor of Science in Metaphysics.

The Power of Ritual

As humans, we are the species that operate with symbols. Other animals use familiar signs, landmarks and gestures given by us, or act purely on instinct. Like humans, they too have rituals of gathering food, procreation and even death rituals. Our normal day-to-day rituals include a shower, combing our hair, brushing teeth and preparing for work.

Early in the morning, take ten deep breaths in appreciation for awakening on a brand new day, under a brand new sky with opportunities to start again with a different attitude—one of gratitude. Every action that you perform in ritual has a deep meaning and impact. Although you may not perceive it on the physical level, it does have astral power. There are many unseen forces, whether earthbound or angelic, participating with you upon invitation and invocation. They are there, always watching and participating when the intention is right. I always call on the forces or angels of Earth, Air, Fire and Water.

The subconscious mind understands and accepts symbols and ritual as very real and will mirror that reality on the physical level in your experience. The purpose of ritual is to strike a balance in spiritual attainment—whether psychic development or achievement of Christ or Cosmic Consciousness. Only you can achieve and master perfection of your spiritual goals. Prayer, chanting, meditation and ritual are ultimately performed to achieve unity with the Divine.

For true spiritual growth, practice is the key and so is persistence. If you are a Christian this week and Wiccan next week, then “Houston, we have a problem.” Why? Because rituals and symbols fueled with action and belief must be consistent for them to be actualized.

If you read the sacred text of the Bible, you find that Jesus declared often, “Be it done unto you according to your faith.” What a tremendous example of Divine conduct, discipline and unconditional love Jesus was, through his use of rituals, symbols and prayer. When ritual and symbols became too theological and extreme, he rejected the priests of the day and placed importance instead on right action—the ultimate ritual.

Unfortunately, many well-meaning “religious” folk in traditional faiths have become spiritually shipwrecked by one-sided “my way only” belief systems.

Prayer is a ritual and “link” to the Divine. Buddha, too, rejected fussy, intensely cerebral ritual of the Hindus during his time, replacing them with his EIGHT-FOLD PATH TO ENLIGHTENMENT:

1. Right View

2. Right Aim

3. Right Speech

4. Right Action

5. Right Livelihood

6. Right Effort

7. Right Thought

8. Right Contemplation

Find the religion and ritual you feel the greatest comfort with. Don’t judge yourself. God knows who you are and will assist you in your search. No religion works for personal growth unless right action is intended. You cannot love God and hate your neighbor. Divided kingdoms do not last. You cannot hate the sinner and love the sin or judge anyone. Unconditional love is the key.

In my studies of Wicca, or “Craft” of the wise, I found that it is an amazing belief system, which out of reverential respect for nature’s beauty, consistency, and color—in the sunshine, moon, storms, stars and rivers—evolved into the varying aspects of God (gods), or Divine aspects of God. There could not have been God without Goddess, or the Great Mother. Many of the great religions on earth have been greatly influenced by Wicca, including Christianity. For example, there is a statement in the Bible which stipulates “As Above, So Below.” That is an ancient Wiccan saying. I saw a bumper sticker and repeated it to several Wiccan clients which reads, “Christianity has Pagan DNA.” Wicca is a peaceful religion that respects life and nature. Anything that does not promote peace, balance, love and respect for all sentient beings and one’s self is not a good practice to be in.

Ritual is necessary to awaken deeper levels of your own consciousness. You use everything—sense, sights, chants, fragrances or any number of cues that you evoke to deepen your own awareness and contact your levels of knowing to make change occur in yourself and your world. Rituals are not mere mindless exercises to effect change. You must be consciously aware and disciplined for change to occur. There is a thin veil or membrane between physical life as we know it and spiritual reality.

It should be our mutual goal that despite our differences and affiliations, we should provide combined, positive sources of spiritual energy and inspiration to renew our lives on the planet for everyone in spite of our differences. From the esoteric perspective, ritual is designed to successfully impact spiritual growth, understanding and commitment to God while in your body on the planet. Ritual is to remind you of your integral part in the mysterious continuum of life which is much larger than this reality. Your organic self-observation of who you are permits you to participate in ritual only on that level. However, you will bridge and accelerate reality on the astral plane, with practice, to eliminate the barrier or restrictive falseness between yourself and what we call God. God loves you whether the ritual is a simple prayer or an advanced exercise in magick or Wicca. It is your intent. As a human, it is difficult to achieve mastery in every part of your life. But please master the daily ritual of a thankful heart, a loving smile, a greeting to a neighbor and a song to the Universe.

Ritual brings us into alignment with the power of God—the ultimate awareness. Once alignment is attained, there is a breakthrough of understanding on all levels and you will evoke material transformation in your character. We all have that ability and are linked on the Pathway of Energy to who God is, whether through salvation, mediumship, meditation or telepathy—it is up to you to find it, and you will.

From the book, The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within by Reginald G. Johnson, Ph.D., a practitioner in past life therapy, spiritual psychotherapy, and soul coaching. He is a teacher, lecturer and speaker who has appeared in print, on radio and is the host of an anticipated national television show dealing with spiritual transformation from several different viewpoints. For private sessions with Reggie, call toll free (866) 711-8324.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Words - The Broadcaster of the Unformed Universe

Words have always been used as a tool for creation. If you have ever read the Bible, you may have noted something very interesting in the Book of Genesis and in the New Testament which tells about the creation of our present earth. When the earth was void and without form, the power that we now call God existed as a vapor (spirit, life force, or energy) full of potential, just waiting to differentiate into liquid and solid form that we now know as our daily reality. How did God create the world of dense matter? Through the creative power of words!

First, was the word, and the word was with God. The spoken word was used to manifest atmosphere, bodies of water, water creatures, lush foliage and trees, birds, animals and human flesh. This could have happened instantaneously or it could have happened over a period of thousands of years, but the point is that the spoken word made things happen. Words are the powerful, creative forces by which “something-ness” was brought forth from nothingness. Each thing the spoken word created was given the ability to continue the creative process by reproducing in like kind, but humans were a cut above. Being made in the image of God, humans could continue the creative process in the same manner as God — by speaking things into existence. From this account of creation, we realize that words contain powerful vibrations. For example, in Genesis 1:3 “And God said, ‘Let there be light,’ and there was light.” With no other tools or building materials, the Creator engineered the very world we live in and the planet we live on by speaking it into existence. Many people do not realize that humans also have the Divine ability to speak and create. For that reason, we take our words for granted.

There is one scripture many folks would rather not deal with because it calls us to be responsible for everything we create. Many devout and faithful folks want to avoid Genesis 1:26 which says “Then God said, ‘Let us make man in our image, in our likeness, and let them rule over all the earth.’” Rule over the earth? That means to be responsible for everything that goes on here and to give an account to the Universe, or God. We are responsible for our own lives and everything we create with our words, thoughts and deeds.

I am always surprised and inspired by the world we live in, the wonders and purpose of nature, the concept of time, and the reason for the existence of each being on planet Earth. When we contemplate on these things, we discover our place in the scheme of creation and we recognize that there are unseen forces at work wishing to communicate with us. These unseen forces are Universal Laws which cannot be broken regardless of whether we believe they exist or not. You do not have to believe in the Law of Gravity, but if you jump off the roof you will not fly like Superman; you will land with a thud. One of the laws of the universe is the Law of Reciprocity, better known as the principle of sowing and reaping which means that what we sow, we will reap. If we sow harmful words, they will produce harmful results. If we sow loving and kind words, we will reap love and kindness. Think of words as boomerangs. What you believe and speak will come back to you.

Getting a Clear Signal

When we empty our minds of social clutter and learn to listen to the forces of nature, and cooperate with the Laws of the Universe, God becomes our Instructor.

The American Indians understood the principles of nature’s symbols, cycles and instruction. They “listened” to the voice of The Great Spirit and then “spoke” the reality to their tribes. They projected these varying degrees of divine intelligence into consciousness through words and rituals and experienced the resulting fruits of the Spirit. They not only heard the voice of Spirit, they respected nature and every being on Mother Earth for they are vehicles for the voice of God.

It is said that we create our own reality in an altered state of consciousness, but I declare to you that we also do this consciously and unconsciously on a daily basis through the secret power of our words. The subconscious mind is the storehouse of everything we ever were and will become. We carry the cellular memory recorded in it. The mind carries spoken messages to every cell in the body; each cell having its own intelligence. For example, we take the beating of our heart and our breathing and sleeping for granted, yet this is one of the mysteries of the subconscious mind.

Look at the Bible Scholar and Sleeping Prophet, Edgar Cayce. He used his spiritual gift of prophecy to give over 14,000 documented clairvoyant readings to more than 6,000 people within a period of forty-three years. While in a trance-like sleep he gave medical diagnoses and remedies that cured people and answered metaphysical questions. This caused quite a stir among the religious folk of his day because it didn’t fit their theology and limited thinking. It tends to be that anything out of the ordinary that we can’t explain with doctrine, is automatically considered taboo before it has a chance to bear fruit.

As surely as false prophets are in the church, true prophets are at our New Age bookstores and psychic fairs. Don’t be alarmed if someone uses divination tools such as Tarot cards, Runes, gemstones or tea leaves to “read” the word of the Lord. The priests of the Old Testament used divination tools called the urim and thummin (probably gemstones) to determine a “yes” or “no” answer in seeking the Lord for guidance. It takes being in tune with your own Divine spirit and intuition to sense the difference between a prophet who hears from God for the benefit of encouraging others and those who are in the business for selfish or harmful reasons. You can’t judge a book by its cover, nor can you judge a prophet by whether his or her prophecies come true.

Activating the Broadcast Channel

Many ancient holy men received the “word” while contemplating God, or perhaps they were in the temple performing a holy rite or ritual such as prayer and meditation when an angel appeared to them. Through the rite or prayer they activated something that spiritual people call the Stellar Circuit, which is a part of the mind or spirit embedded in the chakras. The term chakra may be unfamiliar to you because our western psychology and medical teaching and practices have left out this vital part of the human’s subtle anatomy. It is intuitively discerned by those who are able to sense the flow of energy. Chakra is a Sanskrit term meaning “wheel.” These spinning wheels or vortexes of energy are different colors and are located in different parts of the subtle body, or soul centers in each person. There are seven major chakra located on the body, and others above it. They are numbered from the base of the spine to the top of the head. The root chakra is located at the tailbone; the second (sacral) chakra between the genital area and the navel; the third chakra just above the navel; the fourth (heart) chakra between the breasts; the fifth in the thyroid region of the neck; the six (third-eye) between the brows; and the seventh in the crown of the head. The chakras exchange energy and messages between the physical body and the auric field surrounding the body. Because each of these energy channels have a specific physical, mental, emotional and spiritual function, they are important to the overall health of an individual. Through these centers, we receive the messages of clairaudience, clairvoyance, clairsentience and other Divine abilities to perceive what the Spirit is communicating.

Clairaudience is the divine ability to hear beyond the physical auditory level. Clairvoyance is the divine ability to see with spiritual eyes things not visible to the physical eye. Clairsentience is the ability to feel etheric energies or pick up on the feelings of others. Some will call this form of communication “psychic ability” while the Bible calls it “gifts of the Spirit.” Terminology is not as important as the results. How do we actually “activate” these channels so that we too, can have this experience? By clearing away falsehood, self-pity, emotional pain, unforgiveness, co-dependency, judgment and other lower aspects of consciousness that block the chakras and prohibits spiritual growth.

Jesus and His Use of Words

“Verily, verily, I say unto you, He that believeth on me, the works that I do shall he do also; and greater works than these shall he do; because I go unto my Father. And whatsoever ye shall ask in my name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the Son. If ye shall ask anything in my name, I will do it.” (John 14:12-14)

Greater works than Jesus? He performed a lot of miracles as recorded in the Bible. Are you walking on water yet? From the above passage, we should be able to do the same and even more! Jesus gave numerous demonstrations of healing, he talked to the wind and calmed a storm, and He called Lazarus forth from the dead. His use of words should be encouraging examples to us. They illustrate that we, too, can repeat or chant words of power and create positive transformation in our lives and the lives of others.

Jesus was assertive in His faith. It was through the spoken word that Jesus healed the sick and raised the dead to life again. At times He would ask His “patient” a question to test his or her faith, and get a reading of their willingness to accept the changes that would be coming as a result of the miracle He was about to perform. Jesus also used other tools such as spitting into the dirt to make a poultice for the eyes of a blind man, but He didn’t carry a bag of paraphernalia with him. His word had authority and He used it as His primary tool for creation.

Jesus told us that we could ask anything in His name, and He would do it. His offer is very generous, but there seems to be a gap between His willingness to give and our ability to receive. We are born on this planet with supernatural power just as Jesus was. Aligning with our spiritual self and having faith will raise our energy levels to match His in order to invoke the same power He used and offers us.

While words allow us to shape our world, only those words spoken with conviction (belief or certainty) are fueled with power to bring concrete results in your life. When you speak with conviction, belief and faith, you create your reality with your will. Sometimes you aren’t aware of your hidden beliefs, motives or convictions, but they still affect your ability to create and shape with words. Words + Conviction = Results.

The Subconscious Mind

Certain words spoken as suggestions by a hypnotist are said to create an altered state of consciousness, (or trance) that can induce emotional and psychological healing. There are two distinctly different realms in the human mind: the conscious and the subconscious. You are using the conscious part of your mind right now to read this book. Your conscious mind is the most "awake" part of your mind while your subconscious mind seems to be in a “screen saver” mode. You may do something and not remember it. For example, you may get half way to work and wonder, “Did I shut the garage door before I left home?” You can probably recall times when you have done something subconsciously like driving right past your intended exit on the freeway or arriving at your destination and not remember getting there. Obviously you were driving your vehicle in a safe manner, but your attention was on something else. You were in a kind of trance-like state. Some may call it daydreaming, but it is very much like hypnosis. The subconscious mind and its beliefs can direct our body to do something without interfacing with the conscious mind. Many of our beliefs are buried; we don’t even realize they are affecting our lives.

Knowing that our thoughts and words are the broadcaster of our unformed universe and that they carry authority and creative power, we must consciously remember to guard what we say. Our power should be used for the improvement of the quality of life for everyone. We should set our intent to heal rather than to cause harm.

Renowned speaker, author, intuitive and soul coach for the 21st century, Reggie Johnson helps people integrate their spiritual energy into their daily lives. He is the author of The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within at Authorhouse.com. Radio psychic for 103.9 FM in San Bernardino, CA. Director of W.O.W. Fest. Inc. (http://www.thewowfest.com) Email:DrReggie@thewowfest.com. Contact Reggie Johnson today to start your journey to enlightenment: (866) 711-8324

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Blessing and Cursing

The tongue and every word we speak contain the power of life or death. Words have the power to bring life and blessing, or to bring death and cursing through the energy they contain. Our intention is paramount because while people notice our outward action, God looks on the heart. Sometimes, our intention and inward motives are more important than what we actually say or do. It is intention that gives words their power. Intention is the inward motive or energy behind the thought or word. Words combined with love, wisdom and Divine inspiration are like apples of gold on trays of silver. Offered to a weary hearer, they become beautiful, living, hope-bearing morsels that nourish the soul. By the same token, when words are combined with hatred, jealously or selfish motives they are like the fig tree that was cursed and withered; they have the ability to bring death, discouragement and despair to the hearer. Which would you rather have spoken to you?

The Benediction

You may have attended a church service where the minister pronounced a benediction or blessing at the end, e.g. "May God bless and keep you." Blessings and curses are prayers spoken over another person, place or thing. Most people don't believe these words actually mean or do anything, but in reality our words do confer blessing or cursing. These prayers are a compilation of precisely structured and arranged words. A benediction to bless can be poetic, artistic and very eloquently presented at special occasions such as at a bar mitzvah, a graduation ceremony or a wedding. A wicked incantation may be presented in tribal countries that use an evil form of voodoo to combat enemies. I am not saying that all tribal nations who practice voodoo intend harm to others. There is a such thing as good voodoo, witchcraft and spells that are beneficial. On the other hand, I have been in Christian prayer circles that placed a curse on another person because the words spoken violated their free will and asked God to bring about hardship or sickness that would make that person repent of their sins!

Blessing and cursing does not have to be a formal petition to God conducted during a ceremony or spoken directly over another person. It can be something as simple as an email. I’m referring to those nutty emails that have a wonderful blessing in them. Then as you scroll through, there is message such as, “if you don't send this to at least 5 people in 5 minutes, you will have bad luck for years.” Let me remind you that a blessing should never threaten you with a curse. Those emails that curse you if you don’t respond are the lowest form of spiritual bribery. They are a manipulative way to get you to do something by using fear tactics. Whenever you get one of those emails, just delete it. If you feel you must forward it, then at least cut and remove the curse before you send it. I have never responded to this type of email and I have had extremely good luck. I believe that a message or blessing in the Kingdom will always reach you when you need it.

A Formal Blessing

Speaking a blessing over someone was a common practice to the early Jewish people. They believed that when God blessed something, He gave it life, and when he cursed something, it died. However, a simple observation of someone or their situation is not an indication as to whether they have been cursed or blessed. When people have sickness or hardship, it does not mean they are cursed. By the same token, if someone is well and prosperous it does not mean that God has blessed or favored them. As you will read in chapter 10, experiencing difficult circumstances in life shows one of two things: that the person decided before incarnating to learn his or her lessons through difficulty, or that the person is not aware of the Law of Attraction and is manifesting by default.

You may be familiar with the story of Esau and Jacob in the 28th chapter of Genesis in the Old Testament of the Bible. They were twin brothers born only minutes apart to Isaac and Rebekah. The blessing of the birthright belonged to the firstborn, Esau, but Rebekah wanted her favorite son, Jacob, to have it. She devised a plan and disguised him as his older brother and sent him to his father with his favorite meal. Isaac was old and blind and didn’t realize that he had blessed the wrong son until later when Esau came in expecting to receive the blessing. Even though it was gained by trickery, the blessing of the firstborn held power and came true.

Some blessings and curses may not be so consciously presented. They can be given without one even being aware of it. When you are talking about someone with another person and one of you says something like, “I hope it all works out well for her. She is a wonderful person, and I’d like to see her really prosper.” Do you realize you just blessed that person without their knowledge? On the flip side of the coin, cursing can be done in the same manner while standing in checkout line at the grocery store or driving in traffic. I am not talking about using profanity, but about the cursing of others with words and thoughts that throws energetic slander and hatred towards them. Anytime you speak or wish evil, harm or ruin to another person, you are cursing them. Doesn’t everyone have enough stress without sending these poison darts? But they have cursed me, you might defend. That’s all the more reason to bless them. Jesus taught his disciples to bless those that curse you — even your enemies. Doing so transmutes the harmful energy to beneficial energy for both the receiver and the sender. That’s powerful!

The Bible used to scare me half to death when I was a teenager because I knew that God’s righteousness condemned sinners. I understood as humans we were under divine condemnation because each has rejected the revelation of God through salvation in Christ. So essentially, we were “cursed” if we were not under the umbrella of a fire insurance policy against going to Hell. It didn’t help growing up in a strict Methodist environment and later to an A.M.E. Church. One associate minister used to get so passionate about his sermon delivery, I thought, “Oh my God, one day he’s gonna have a heart attack if he keeps this up.” Yes, he had a heart attack while I was sitting in the front row. I saw him pass out in the middle of his sermon. I sat there stunned because it just crossed my mind the week before and I did not “say” it aloud, only in my mind. Although I was not aware of the principles at the time, I felt some inner connection in what I said and what happened to Reverend Lewis. Were my words that powerful that I had cursed him? The heart attack did not kill him, thank God, but he left the church for a long time before preaching again. Needless to say, I left church in Washington, D.C. and moved to a galaxy far, far away – Los Angeles!

I was made the “official” spiritual advisor for a radio station in San Bernardino, California a few years ago. I visited the studio on occasion to answer a few questions from callers and sometimes in-studio guests. One of the show’s hosts, a female disc jockey, asked me to “read” her on the air. I did so, as she requested. I made a comment about her having a baby. I had a hunch she did not believe me because she had surgery to prevent a baby from entering this world through the mother vehicle. I gave her a look of total confidence and said, “Although you are in your late 30’s, and believe it is impossible, I know you will have a baby girl.” She looked at me doubtfully, but tried to clothe herself with an air of confidence for benefit of the listening audience in what I was telling her. When I was leaving the studio, a Bible passage hit me hard, “…life and death are in the tongue.” (Proverbs 18:2).

Last year I received a phone call from that same radio DJ who told me she was pregnant and having a baby girl and that she was in complete shock because it was “impossible” for her to get pregnant. Her child was waiting to be born and I “saw her” and spoke her into this reality with faith in the Higher Power who made everything there is.

Jesus Cursed a Fig Tree

Matthew 21:18-19; 20-22 and Mark 11:12-14; 20-25 says, in essence:
“And on the morrow, when they had come out of Bethany, he [Jesus] hungered. And seeing a fig tree afar off having leaves, he came, if perhaps he might find anything thereon: and when he came to it, he found nothing but leaves; for it was not the season of figs. And he answered and said unto it, ‘No man [will] eat fruit from you from now on – for ever.’ And his disciples heard it . . .And as they passed by in the morning, they saw the fig tree withered away from the roots. And Peter calling to remembrance said unto him, ‘Rabbi, behold, the fig tree that you cursed is withered away’” (Mk. 11:12-14; 20-21).

The followers, or disciples of Christ understood the power of words and for their benefit, Jesus was always giving them a lesson. In the above-referenced passage, Christ did not “curse” the tree as an act of intolerance. As an Ascended Master and Son of God, he was hungry and told the tree so. He indicated that since the leaves came first without fruit, no one would ever eat from the tree again. His disciples listened carefully, hanging onto every word. Jesus demonstrated the power of words. Some people will judge this decision and think that the supernatural power of Christ was wasted on a vulgar demonstration before the disciples. However, Christ knew that he had (and we have) authority and dominion over all creation.

There are plenty of other stories about the life of Jesus that are undocumented that would fill large volumes if they were to be printed. Other manuscripts such as The Book of Thomas have been found that show even more mysteries of the secret doctrines of Christ. What we now call the scriptures contained in the Bible are only a part of what has been written about Jesus Christ. Many people do not realize that some accounts of his life were omitted from ancient texts by the Nicene Council for the purpose of regulating the Church and the government under one belief system during the reign of Constantine. In reading any text or hearing any message, be sure to listen to the voice of God within to be sure that what is being presented resonates with your spirit.

Binding and Loosing

I mention binding and loosing here because it has to do with blessing and cursing. I want to remind you that words spoken on earth, have an effect in other realms of the universe. In Matthew 16:19-20 Jesus said, “I will give you the keys to the kingdom of heaven. Whatever you bind on earth shall be bound in heaven; and whatever you loose on earth shall be loosed in heaven.” Binding (restraining and holding back) and loosing (allowing or setting free) may be applied to anything or anyone.

Having God and Goddess as our Divine parents, we are born with the power to invoke their assistance to bind all forces of darkness on earth, and in ourselves and others, as well as to set free or loosen captives. These are laws or commands that we may execute via our free will. We have the power to bless people and send the light of love to them physically and remotely as well as to curse them. In Wicca there is a statement of the same nature, “as above, so below.” Whatever we bind or loose on earth is also bound or loosed in heaven. I believe binding and loosing also has to do with granting karmic grace as Jesus did when He forgave the sins of others. When we forgive, we set people free; many times ourselves as well as the offender.

I am always amazed that the multiple meanings attached to English words. In the case of binding and loosing these words can mean the same thing since they share similar meanings. Let me explain. Most people think of binding as the act of restraining or controlling something, and some may pray that the powers of evil be bound. Loosing is generally referred to as unwrapping, exposing or setting something free; such as releasing a bird from its cage. However, binding can also be used positively, to secure, wrap or embrace something good. With this principle, you could envision yourself being securely bound to love and kindness if you wish to attract those virtues to yourself. By the same token, the principle of loosing can mean to “divide or separate from.” You could use the principle of loosing in this manner for removing or separating yourself from limiting or negative patterns of thinking. Binding and loosing is a simple matter of perspective.

Renowned speaker, author, intuitive and soul coach for the 21st century, Reggie Johnson helps people integrate their spiritual energy into their daily lives. He is the author of The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within at Authorhouse.com. Radio psychic for 103.9 FM in San Bernardino, CA. Director of W.O.W. Fest. Inc. (http://www.thewowfest.com) Email:DrReggie@thewowfest.com. Contact Reggie Johnson today to start your journey to enlightenment:(866) 711-8324

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Awakening Psychic Ability and Mystical Experiences

The term “psychic” has been taken so far out of context, and has become so blemished, it is nearly impossible to believe we will ever have a spiritual “homecoming” when looking to the English language for the meaning of this term. A psychic is one who uses God-given gifts of the Spirit to receive and give messages from God to bless others. This may be done in an altered state at a very high level of spiritual vibration. However, a mystic or prophet is usually also endowed with a purely intuitive gift that is facilitated in a more “normal” state of being. Either way, the psychic receives information on a dynamic spiritual level.

There are many varieties of psychic or spiritual gifts available to us. A spiritually receptive person may acquire and utilize any number of these gifts. Jesus used all of them in His ministry. You may already have them and not realize it. Since the gifts are perceived aside from or a heightened use of the five known senses, sight, sound, taste, touch, or smell, they are sometimes referred to as the sixth sense or extra sensory perception (ESP). When a person begins to awaken to their true self and divine potential, spiritual or psychic gifts will begin to emerge and develop. Having some point of reference for these gifts will assist in the enlightenment process. With such stigma and fear associated with the paranormal these days, I feel it is important to dispel any fear you may have of such phenomenon. A fear of a spiritual gift will certainly be a hindrance to your using it. In order to be equipped to do the same works that Jesus did, we need to utilize these wonderful tools. Daddy doesn’t mind if you use His tools, so let’s take a brief look at some of these gifts.

Clairvoyance

Clair means “clear.” Clairvoyance, or clear vision, allows you to see with your mind’s eye. This gift allows you to pick up on information about a person by seeing images or symbols that pertain to something going on in another person’s life. A clairvoyant person may see with their physical or spiritual eyes, angels, spirits and other images in the spiritual world. This gift manifests whenever the third eye (or 6th chakra) is open and clear and may manifest in dreams or visions. God gives us inner vision today, just as He did with the prophets of old.

Clairaudience

Another psychic gift is the gift of clairaudience, in which messages are received from etheric realms through hearing. People having this gift may hear spirit messages audibly or within their mind. This is the gift Joan of Arc used.

Clairsentience

Some people are blessed with the gift of psychometry, or clairsentience, which is the ability to touch an object and receive accurate information about the owner, whether living or passed on. This gift brings the gut feeling or “knowing” of something about another person without having human knowledge of it beforehand.

Clairempathy

Clairempathy allows a person to feel (within their body or emotions) the feelings, pain or needs of another person. Whenever there is a world catastrophe or an instance where someone nearby is suffering, people with this gift may begin to pick up on this energy and become a surrogate. If you find you are having unexplained pain or emotions that surface without cause, you may be picking up on another person’s energy. It is important for the person with this gift to know how to set spiritual boundaries or else clear the energy from their field.

Clairgustance

Clairgustance has to do with receiving a message from spiritual realm through the sense of taste. You may be able to taste something that you have not eaten or even been near. Ask your internal guidance for clarification about why you are “tasting” this message. Oh, taste and see that the Lord is good!

Clairscent

Clairscent allows a person to smell a fragrance or odor from another realm. It is akin to the gift of clear taste or clairgustance. I have smelled roses and other heavenly scents while praying. The kingdom of Heaven is near you, even in your nose!

Prophetic or Revelatory Gifts

Any of the aforementioned gifts may be considered prophetic in nature due to their ability to foretell the future or transmit a message from the heavenly realms. The Bible speaks of nine gifts of the Spirit and divide them into three categories: speaking, knowing and doing. Under the category of speaking gifts come the gifts of prophecy, tongues and interpretation of tongues. The knowing gifts are words of wisdom, words of knowledge and discerning of spirits. The doing gifts are faith, healing and working of miracles. These gifts are still operational today. God has not changed His mind about communicating with us and through us!

The Gift of Healing the Sick

As you ascend in your spiritual progress, you may notice that you have the ability to heal others. My wife’s father was very ill from an accident and slipped into a coma. Doctors at the hospital in Burbank, California indicated he had “lost brain mass” and would not be the same in terms of cognitive abilities. He would in fact, they said, be more akin to “a vegetable” if he lived. They believed his death was imminent. I immediately thought about a Bible scripture, Ecclesiastes 2:12-14, “I saw that wisdom is better than folly, just as light is better than darkness.” Light is in the Universe and individualized in your own spirit. I called on the “Light” of the healing angel Raphael, to surround and protect Mr. Morris. I saw these incredible circles of light in my mind’s eye. I “felt” he was perfect, just as God made him. The Light penetrated my very being and I “knew” he was healed. Period. I appealed to the Doctor who created all doctors. Our bodies are miraculous works of art. They are constantly being pulled back to the original and perfect blueprint of its spiritual DNA. I believe that the greatest surgeon on earth can perform a healing act on the body, but it is ultimately the Highest Doctor of the Universe who sends the energy to cause the actual healing.
The doctors at the hospital called our house very excited looking for my wife, Cynthia, saying they had witnessed “a miracle.” Push your mind to the edge and think outside the box. Those invisible photons of light which travel at 186,000 miles per second entered that hospital room, touched my father-in-law’s body and in that light, the dying man was healed.

God reveals things to us in many ways, including dreams, visions, thoughts, ideas or images popping into our heads, a knowing felt in our spirit or body, and so on. In the Bible Paul said, “Yet when I am among mature Christians, I do speak with words of great wisdom, but not the kind that comes from here on earth, and not the kind that appeals to great men of this world, who are doomed to fall.” (I Corinthians 2:6). Even though the message may be from God, it comes through the filters of the psychic’s human mind and personality and is open for interpretation. Any message you receive from a prophet or psychic should be considered in such light. I’ve had many a message that I had to “sit with” for a while. After considering its validity, I may put it in the back of my mind for later. Some messages that didn’t seem relevant at the time, have come to have an appreciative meaning later on.
“Tele” Gifts

Telepathy allows for mind to mind or spirit to spirit communication without the use of verbal or physical signs, language or symbols. Telepathy between people and animals is a proven fact. A mother knows instinctively when her children are in danger, and we all “tap in” to this type of energy. But what is it? Telepathy is communication from mind to mind or soul to soul without any visible means of physical contact. Contact on a higher plane, however, is very real. When you pray, you contact your Higher Self, or the part that God placed in you.

The Bible calls the inner God-self the “I AM.” The Energy of God is very personal. It cannot be created or destroyed—it just is! When we lose our sense of fear, and yield to the inner God-urge to form us to our full potential, it is the most liberating sensation on the planet. This God consciousness is living “as you” in this incarnation. Everything you think will cause the mind of God in you to respond accordingly.

The Skeptics

What human nature does not understand, it seeks to resist or destroy. Who are we to judge the fresh, new messages coming from the heart of God to His children who have open minds and are willing to hear that voice today? What would we do with a modern Noah who purportedly “heard” the voice of God? What would we do with a Moses who parted oceans with a walking stick?

Jesus used intuition and not mere hunches. He embodied His higher spiritual self, directed by the Christ mind. In other words, he was living in an ascended state while in a human body. He knew when healing had occurred because he felt virtue leave his body. He materialized coins, walked through a wall, called the dead back to life, levitated before eye-witnesses, and defied the laws of gravity with his body by walking on water. The vibratory frequency of his body was much higher than the typical human living in third dimension reality. There were also many prophets, saints and holy men thousands of years before Jesus who demonstrated similar powers of mind and spirit. Why, then, condemn the psychics and mystics of our modern day?

Any gift or action that brings health, love, healing, soundness of mind, joy, peace, gentleness, goodness, faith, honesty or any other virtue is of God no matter what label the “doer” may wear or what spiritual camp they hang out with.

Your bio-energy is always present in your physical body, as is your spirit. It is your “magnetism” or body electricity that enables the communication between the brain and the other parts of the body. Psychic energy connects you with your own body, other people and their spirits, as well as to the Universe or God. When your spiritual energy is depleted, it negatively influences your physical body and its strength, making it more susceptible to disease and other ailments. If your body needs nutrients for normal functioning, think how much more your spirit needs the nurturing of prayer, reflection, meditation and ritual to keep it alive!

Mystical Experiences

The transcendent experience has been scientifically recorded for years and is still practiced by humans today. We have many names for these spiritually transforming experiences. It is up to the individual as how to respond to them. We may be confined to the limitation of the physical body, but our powers of mind are not. Attitude, faith and belief make all the difference in how we respond to a situation. A person may be jailed for a crime. He or she has a choice of response. They can allow their heart to harden, or they may use their mind and time to write a bestseller! When you are led by your heart and not your condition, anything is possible. I encourage you to accept the mystical experiences that come to you. They are to teach, enlighten, and awaken you.

I am an Intuitive (or Prophet, or Mystic), choose whatever “title” you want, but I am spirit having a human experience just as you are. Many times my clients, look up to me as someone with incredible magical powers. The only magic I possess is my faith in God as my Ultimate Reality and Power. The mystical experience comes along when you place your trust, without any questions or without vacillating, in that Power. Each of us has the responsibility to go inside our own temple for meditation. We can go into the “silence” of that place and communicate with God. That place is where you behold the reality and mystery of God, and find your spiritual truth. Your religion has nothing to do with “your truth” or the reason that you were born.

Renowned speaker, author, intuitive and soul coach for the 21st century, Reggie Johnson helps people integrate their spiritual energy into their daily lives. He is the author of The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within at Authorhouse.com. Radio psychic for 103.9 FM in San Bernardino, CA. Director of W.O.W. Fest. Inc. (http://www.thewowfest.com) Email:DrReggie@thewowfest.com. Contact Reggie Johnson today to start your journey to enlightenment: (866) 711-8324

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Spiritual Growth Asks, "Are You Being What Serves You?"

By Richard Blackstone

Most spirituality information has an emphasis on your being, not your doing. For those seeking spiritual growth it is critical to keep your beingness in alignment with what serves you.

Be what serves you. What does that mean? Of course, we are all trying to do the things in life that serve us and make us happy. Why wouldn't we? We certainly wouldn't consciously make decisions that do not serve us, would we? No, we wouldn't consciously be that way.

If we are living consciously we would be able to clearly see the concepts and values that are important to us and then consciously make the choices and decisions that would keep us in alignment with them. What is so hard about that? Obviously, we would make the choices that serve us and take us to where we desire to be.

We, as individuals and societies, all agree that one of the places that we "desire to be" is a place called "world peace." This is a concept that most people in the world embrace as a God-given right. We should all live with the full expectation that we can all get along with our fellow human beings.

If most of the people in the world subscribe to this concept, then why is there so much killing and destruction going on in the world in our avowed attempt to achieve "world peace?" What is keeping us from reaching this fundamental goal of just getting along with each other? If we say that we, as individuals and societies, would be better served by achieving this goal then why haven't we achieved it? Or even come close to achieving it?

For the past two thousand years of recorded history we can document that we have pretty much done whatever it takes to not achieve this goal. Could it be that we are unconsciously choosing to attain other short term, less all-encompassing goals than our stated goal of world peace?

Could it be, in fact, that we are not living consciously, as individuals and as societies, and that the consequences of this unconscious living is being manifested in the way we live our lives and view the world as it is today? This is but the tip of the iceberg concerning the questions we have been asking ourselves regarding our inability to attain even our most fundamental values. Values such as inner peace and world peace.

Our questions concerning life and our relationship to all things that make up life are valid, and it is well within the human psyche that we should expect we could come up with some answers. This is not an unreasonable expectation.

You need to look at life's questions with the intention that you will reach clarity on what you decide is the best path for you to follow. You must be the final arbiter in the decisions you make about your life. The decisions that you make concerning your own life will ultimately determine what your world looks like.

Because here's the deal: You are creating your life as you go along. You are not only creating your own life, you are also creating the world we live in by every choice and decision that you make concerning every aspect of life.

This is a huge Ah-haaaaa.

Yes, I am telling you that you that you are a powerful creating machine and you are creating all the time. The difference between you knowing this or not is answered by the question, "Are you creating consciously or unconsciously?"

The question is not whether you are creating. You are creating! Now the question becomes, are you creating consciously or are you sleepwalking through life and accepting the consequences of your unconscious creations and being unaware of "what's happening?"

How do you determine if you are being served by your beliefs. Well, you simply ask yourself this four word question, "Does this serve me?"

Can it be this easy. Yes, life is effortless if you choose for it to be effortless. Ask yourself this question, "Does that serve me?"

Richard Blackstone is an award winning author and international speaker on Love, Oneness & Creation. Journey into discovery of Self by reading this FREE report; "The 3 Simple Immutable Laws of the Universe" at: http://www.nutsandboltsspirituality.com/

What Makes You Special?

by Kunbi Korostensky

Many people are too busy today trying to fit themselves into the image of other people. This ranges from physical appearance to dressing mannerism right to extreme character imitations.

And although I can understand the underlying feelings of insecurity which trigger such actions, still it goes without saying that this 'unhealthy' habit can be detrimental to your one big asset: recognizing and developing your uniqueness.

Some people are either afraid to show who they really are, because they believe that other people are better than them. Or as a result of lack of inner consciousness, they are just not aware of their own special gifts.

First of all, there is nothing wrong with being who you are. In fact, the more you are willing to be yourself, the better is your chance of being authentic and special. Then no amount of any artistic imitation will ever make a strong indelible impact on other people or makes you feel better about yourself. It is better to be a first class 'you' than a third rate imitation of some celebrity. At least this way, you will be upholding the true spirit of individualism and helping along the course of evolution.

Secondly, regardless of how or what you may at present think of yourself, you are still special and that is what other people want to see and experience in you. Psycho-logically, people are more attracted to someone who is genuine. So don't try to be what you are not.

If you are still in doubt about what is special about you, start by asking yourself these three questions:

1.How do people react to me when I am with them?
2. When in a crowd, am I more interested in voicing my opinion or do I listen intently to others?
3. When decisions are made, do I accept to go along with the majority, or is upholding my values more important to me?

Each of these questions can prompt you to look deeper into yourself and recognize what you may be missing: your special abilities.

Your strength lies in your inherent abilities. For these are the gifts of the spirit, the real you.

Learn to know what your assets are and what makes you stand out from the crowd.

The best way to do this is to focus on what you know gives you passion, joy and deep satisfaction. I once had to give a friend some new perspectives about herself. She complained constantly about how people around her were getting along while she felt left behind. One day as I listened again to her lamentations, it suddenly dawned on me that she had been focusing on other peoples' lives instead of on her own.

I pointed this out to her and encouraged her to look into herself and her life. She was to find out what she could genuinely admire about herself and recognize as her inherent strength.

Well, it didn't take her long to turn the table. She decided that her life hadn't been such "a disaster" after all. In fact she came up with what made her to be such a great friend to have around. Her exceptional ability to remain calm and compose in the face of difficult situation.

Once you know what it is that makes you special, keep grooming it until it shines out in all its glory. Thus the saying "who you are speaks so loudly I can't hear what you're saying" becomes your true shield and emblem.

Kunbi Korostensky N.D., Psychotherapist and Certified Life Coach is specialised in supporting people going through various life changes, such as after a divorce, bereavement and dealing effectively with teenagers. Check out her ebooklet: Top 10 holistic Questions to Embrace Change and Grow at http://www.embracingchanges.com.booksandcds.html/

Quote from Gandhi

Keep your thoughts positive because your thoughts become your words.
Keep your words positive because your words become your behaviors.
Keep your behaviors positive because your behaviors become your habits.
Keep your habits positive because your habits become your values.
Keep your values positive because your values become your destiny.

~ By Gandhi

Quote from Albert Einstein

There are only two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle. ~ Albert Einstein

5 Ways to Empower your Child

by Robin Marvel
www.aurasenseguide.com

There is no greater opportunity than raising an empowered child. An empowered child displays great strength and knowledge. With a vibrational shift taking place on our planet we as adults have the responsibility to encourage growth and empowerment within our youth. Empowering a youth allows them the opportunity to live a life of personal strength and gratitude. We are all creators molding our energy, no matter our age. Here are some steps to encourage empowerment in your child.

1. Respect their individuality: All beings are walking their own path of awareness including your children. Taking the time to allow them to be themselves will allow strength

2. Encourage their Knowledge: Empowered children love to learn. Allow your child to explore the vast realm of knowledge out there.

3. Honor your truth: You are an example for your child. Your child will see and know if you are honoring you personal truth

4. Practice Unconditional Love: Show your child there is so much love in the world to give and receive. Teach them to love themselves and others without limits

5. Live in Gratitude: A person living in gratitude is a person living without limits. Living in gratitude dissipates all fear.

These are just a few ways you can encourage empowerment within your child. Our children are forming the future. Take the time to open their eyes to the bigger picture of life.

The Benefits of Meditation

It requires focus and discipline to consistently practice meditation, prayer or ritual but the practice will assist you tremendously in your spiritual development. You are expanding ethereal, sacred energy and this becomes your power base. Focusing on expanding your consciousness through the process of meditation, and specifically focusing on each part of your body through guided meditation, helps to improve the circulatory system, effectively lowers blood pressure, decreases the heart rate and gives you a calmer outlook on life. You become more patient, while supercharging the immune system. You have mind-control over your body, especially where pain is concerned. You become more aware of your own healing nature. When you focus on your emotional self, you have a deeper meaning in your relationships with others and an “inner peace” that is beyond human description.

With meditation, you feel more motivated in your quest for spiritual development. Meditation increases your psychic awareness. Creativity, perceptual ability, and clarity are increased tremendously. You feel closer to God in meditation. Once you get this connection, it is an amazing experience. A feeling of total joy and elation happens.

A doctor friend of mine once told me, “Whatever happens to you in this life is not important, but how you deal with it is.” Meditation will help you “deal with life” on this physical plane. When I am feeling out-of-sorts, I can take ten to fifteen minutes and feel revitalized. This practice helps me reconnect to my higher self, discharge the negative energy and download a better attitude. Even if meditation doesn’t bring a total clearing of emotions, I can at least see them as transitory or as if they are happening apart from me. I can become the observer of my own thoughts and feelings and feel less attached to them.

Meditation Miracles

Now we know that consciousness is energy and that it is more powerful than electricity or atomic energy. It is the energy that creates life, goes beyond physical death and contacts those who have “crossed over.” This is the consciousness that can affect another person’s consciousness beyond the physical earth-bound limits of time and space. You are a unit of God consciousness and therefore possess God consciousness. Mystics, psychics, occultists, spiritual advisors, and ancient seers from the past have always astounded us with their ability, and so can you. You can make miracles happen in your life on purpose. You were born to enlighten others and improve the quality of life on earth, for others as well as yourself.

Guided Meditation

If you are the loner type, you may want to experience meditation in the solitude and sacred space of your own home. If you like to be around others to explore meditation, to have the reinforcement of the physical presence and mind power of others, you may want to join in group meditation. In my basic meditation and psychic development classes, the students give details of their meditations—every feeling, scene, color, physical touch on the body, temperature changes, and what they “saw” in their minds. After giving me information about their specific meditation experience, I am then able to interpret the higher emotional, spiritual and physical issues currently experienced in life.

If you are going to do meditation alone, it is recommended that you keep a journal. Just as important is a dream journal, even when you think you don’t remember your dreams. Your Higher Self may be communicating with you in the dream state.

I perform many guided meditations with incredible results. The following example is one I find soothing and very profound. You should tape record this meditation so that you can always replay it in your sacred space.

First, I am going to relax. As I take a deep breath in through my nose, I will hold it for the mental count of five—four—three—two—one, releasing, as I exhale through my mouth, relaxing my neck, back, shoulders, chest, stomach, arms, forearms, fingers, buttocks, thighs, legs and toes. I release all negative energy from the day which may have caused me stress. Again, as I breathe in deeply and hold my breath, I release it backwards on the count of five—four—three—two—one, repeating the process of letting go and relaxing each part of my body—my neck, back, shoulders, chest, stomach, arms, forearms, fingers, buttocks, thighs, legs and toes. I totally release all tension back into the Universe where it will be recycled properly. There is a beautiful and Divine Light of God’s sacred energy protecting me and surrounding my body. Every atom of my body is protected by the force of God’s love, shielding me and engulfing me with comfort and safety. This energy shield was with me at birth. This sacred and holy energy is my life force and Higher Sensory Perception that I have been endowed with.

I now approach and see a beautiful field of beautiful green grass. There are spectacular purple-colored, snowcapped mountains in the background. Beautiful pine trees freshen the air with an incredible fragrance, mixed with floral essence. I will now rest on the grass for a moment.

I have the sensation that I can float, defying the physical laws of gravity. As I do so, I sense myself slowly rising from the grass, looking down below me. I see the incredible panorama of grass, birds and mountains as I float upwards. I am standing at the top of the mountain where I can comfortably meditate. I note an overwhelming feeling of love. This feeling is familiar because I sense an incredible Presence of an angel Guide. This illumined energy is someone I am being reacquainted with, and there is nothing but love and warmth from this Person. I feel warmth, protection and security from this Being. This Being has been with me since I decided to come to earth. This Presence of love and power reaches out to me and gently taps me on my forehead. I feel an electric surge of power go through my body—cleansing, healing, expanding my intuitive ability and taking me to another level of consciousness. I feel soothing energy from the top of my scalp to the soles of my feet. There is a circling motion around my body, empowering and aligning me with the frequencies of the Godhead from which I came. As I feel this beautiful sensation, my body now floats downward alongside the mountain, going back to the grass—floating magically, swiftly and safely back to this beautiful, lush green grass that is comforting, soft and fragrant. As I lay here, I am still and happy remembering everything that has happened. At the count of ten, I will be totally refreshed, fully awakened, and will journal this information in my meditation notebook—ten—nine—coming back now—eight—seven—feeling good—-six— five— comfortably relaxed—feeling better—four—three—feeling very good—two—the energy is on the top of my head—and one—the energy is filling every part of my body. I am fully awake and conscious.

Journal this information, sensing and taking note of everything such as:

What did you feel?
Did you smell the pine and other fragrances?
Did you “see” the energy Being of love?
Was it familiar to you?
Other notations: __________________________________.

We maintain a journal because we are immortal, spiritual beings having this human experience, which should be joyful and tranquil. You are getting dream impressions and in many cases, answers to probing questions. When you are in a state of stillness and silence, although you sleep, those messages from your angels and guides will help to awaken you to your own self-awareness, spiritual and emotional maturity. Revisit your journal or diary often and you will experience the voice of God in your higher self.

Dr. Reggie Johnson is author of The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within (http://www.authorhouse.com/) and Spiritual Soul Coach and creator of the WOW Fest, Inc. To schedule a session, call (800) 864-3497.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Another Musing

Sitting in my pool with the cool water refreshing my body, I gaze up into the warm sunshine. The sun seems to be perched atop the mighty oak tree that spans across my entire backyard. Within minutes, clouds come to devour the rays and soon I am left to feel a chill. That's alright, it was nice while it lasted.
Have you ever noticed moments in your life like this? Not necessarily the same one but an experience that ended prior to your expectations. We all tend to have expectations at some point or another. The trouble arises when you are attached to the outcome. You might question, why did this happen or why can't I just have something go my way for once?
We are usually so tied to the outcome of an experience that we seldom enjoy the process of having it. Each moment we have is divinely connected to the previous and next experience we have. Some of these we create consciously, others are influenced by our environment. We often don't have total control over our surroundings. Whether we are at work, at home, with friends or family or out shopping or any where else. The only place you can control your environment is in your mind. But in our minds is where we make assumptions.
Consider this; everyone in this world makes assumptions. When we make assumptions we take things personnally and this becomes emotional poision. Don Miguel Ruiz states in his Four Agreements that all the sadness and drama in the world comes from us making assumptions and therefore taking things personnaly. If I had made the assumption that when I got home from work I was going to sit in the pool and relax with the sunshine warming me I would have, of course, made a wrong assumption. I might have become purturbed, disappointed and frustrated. But by not having any preconceived outcome I was simply able to enjoy the moment, then without any attachment move into the next moment. As it turned out, my next moment was to enjoy a delicious meal my wife had prepared.
Try living without expectations. Go with the natural flow the universe has for you and enjoy each moment as it happens. Always give thanks!

Randall Hawk

Metaphysical Musing

“I closed my eyes, only for a moment, now the moments gone.”

From the jukebox of my mind comes the lyrical line from “Dust In the Wind” by Kansas. Metaphysically speaking it still exist, as does this moment and all those that came before and those yet to occur. Moments like these seem hard to come by. Have I lost you yet, or are you still in the moment?

If you wish to continue on this “Metaphysical Musing” please be patient and live in the moment. I am.

Now take a few cleansing breaths and observe your surroundings. Chances are, your reading this on a computer. There are myriad descriptions of others environments and it would take me out of my moment thinking about them.

So, as I sit in the shade of my pergola, over looking my mandala garden, listening to the water fountain trickle into the pond, and the birds singing, I am at peace. I am in the moment.

Now, take notice of your surroundings and find something pleasant.

Take a few more deep breaths and feel the calmness.

You are creating this moment. Nice.

Keep breathing, and keep appreciating your surroundings.

Thank yourself, and all of creation for giving you this opportunity to just BE.

Close your eyes, keep breathing and feel the energy move through and around your body.

Warm, calming, peaceful, you notice there is little difference between you and your surroundings.

You feel more and more at one with that which you were already apart of. In this moment, you are creation.

Keep breathing, it is so pleasant you are smiling to yourself.

It’s nice to have moments like this. Stay as long as you like.

Randall Hawk

Garden of the Soul Lessons from Four Flowers that Unearth the Self

Lynn Serafinn’s Garden of the Soul Lessons from Four Flowers that Unearth the Self is excellent. The video is narrated by the author, with stunning photography by Bruce Morse and compelling electro soundtrack by Overlords of the UFO (one of the author's former bands).

The Garden of the Soul is a substantial 404-page work comprised primarily of narrative stories. Each section of the book begins with a poem or "song" sung by one of the four flowers.

This song is called "Song of the Rose: Maysong." The Rose is the teacher of the "Principle of Giving," which encompasses attributes such as passion, self-expression, boldness, and life purpose. The Song of the Rose gives you a glimpse into the sensual undertones of the teachings of the Rose, who later takes the author on a journey through the stories of her own life, to explore her own connection to the many colours of passion, from the sacred to the profane. Set to an uplifting instrumental soundscape by London-based band Bleep Test, and illustrated with brilliantly captivating nature photography by Sheila Finkelstein, Lynn's uniquely lyrical and rhythmic approach to reciting poetry evokes an understanding within the listener that goes far beyond the mere meanings of the words.

Learn more about the book at http://www.give-receive-become-be.com/.

Dealing with Stress

A lecturer, when explaining stress management to an audience, raised a glass of water and asked, "How heavy is this glass of water?"

Answers called out ranged from 8oz. to 20 oz.

The lecturer replied, "The absolute weight doesn't matter. It depends on how long you try to hold it. If I hold it for a minute, that's not a problem. If I hold it for an hour, I'll have an ache in my right arm. If I hold it for a day, you'll have to call an ambulance. In each case, it's the same weight, but the longer I hold it, the heavier it becomes."

He continued, "And that's the way it is with stress management. If we carry our burdens all the time, sooner or later, as the burden becomes increasingly heavy, we won't be able to carry on. As with the glass of water, you have to put it down for a while and rest before holding it again. When we're refreshed, we can carry on with the burden."

"So, before you return home tonight, put the burden of work/life down. Don't carry it home. You can pick it up tomorrow. Whatever burdens you're carrying now, let them down for a moment if you can. Relax; pick them up later after you've rested."  

Life is short. Enjoy !

Bringing Spiritual Concepts Into Entrepreneurial Careers

On the September 18th edition of The Frazzled Entrepreneur Program: The Author as Entrepreneur, I was interviewed by the show’s host, H. Les Brown—an entrepreneur, a Franklin Covey certified life coach, and author of the new book The Frazzled Entrepreneur's Guide to Having It All.

On the show, Les and I talked about how spirituality and business go hand in hand. He asked a question I have never been asked. What led you to get into theology and how have you incorporated that education with your career?

Turning a theology degree into a livelihood is a real challenge, but it can be done. Here’s how it happened for me.

It was during the time when my eyes were opened to see things going on with organized religion that I was not pleased with—mainly politics and religious abuse of power. People trust the clergy and the church and many times that trust is used against innocent members. It becomes a game of power and control. I had been a victim. I was hurt and had many misgivings about anyone who claimed to be a Christian, and I was ready to completely give up on everything ... on God or whatever had anything to do with church or religion.

I began exploring new paths and different types of belief systems and came to find the American Institute of Holistic Theology (AIHT). It looked really interesting and I knew I could learn something there to help me discover a new path that would perhaps better serve me. I signed up for the Bachelor of Science program and completed the courses for the degree within a few years.

Besides my spiritual redirection, a lot of things in my life changed at that time. I assessed several areas where I felt like what I was doing was not what I wanted to keep doing. During my study, I began to feel a sense of change on the horizon as far as my employment. I think it's part of what some call a mid-life crisis. I call it a mid-life opportunity because it's a time where people take a reflective glance backwards and say, “Okay, here's what I've done” and they look at the future and think, “How many years do I have left to do what I really want to do?” It can be depressing if you look at your life and you're not happy with where you are and you don't have a plan to do something different. So, I sat down and started thinking about where I wanted to be in five years and what I wanted to accomplish in this life. I started planning for positive change.

Setting goals brought forth the desire to leave my corporate job and move into a new career as a self-employed business owner. I was already using my writing skills as an administrative assistant. I was doing a lot of the correspondence and writing hundreds of emails to clients on a daily basis and I thought, “Why not do this as a freelancer and write for other clients?”

It has worked out well. It's been a learning process, for sure, and I can't say there haven't been any disappointing or discouraging moments. But, overall it's moved forward very fluidly, very cohesively, and in an enjoyable way that has caused me to depend more on my inner voice and inner spirit—that guidance we all have and so many times ignore. For me, it became a new goal and a new challenge to follow my guidance in dealing with family, relationships, belief systems, and my career.

My study with AIHT had a strong influence on me. I naturally began bringing the influence of metaphysical principles, holistic theology, and my new spiritual path into my business and into the books I write. And this has attracted a new clientele. I'd say 90 percent of the books I've ghosted, edited, formatted, or indexed have a spiritual theme or a healing component to them.

It is possible to use your intuition to blend business and spirituality. Following inner guidance is as natural as breathing, and I’m doing it without any religion telling me how, when, or where! And, I’m not the only one. Les mentioned that he and I are kindred spirits. We do have a lot of things in common. His Frazzled Entrepreneur program has gone through several series. The series of shows he did before The Author as Entrepreneur was about spirituality in the streets and how people bring their own spirituality into the workplace and into their entrepreneurial careers. His new show is about providing support and guidance for men and women in or approaching the midlife transition. He has a community called Midlife Mastery you can join at http://www.midlifemaster.org/.

Unity

We could learn a lot from crayons. Some are sharp, some are pretty, and some are dull. Some have weird names and all are different colors, but they all have to live in the same box.

Things Are Shifting Around Here

The relationship I have with my fundamentalist Christian brother is changing-- one way or another. Things will never be the same after our dialog last night. I hope the change will be for the better and that he will accept me for who I am now, rather than for the person I was and he thinks I still should be. I just couldn't continue to live with the insanity of being inauthentic.

For years, I had been tolerating his emails that bashed others who do not believe as he does. I had already asked him not to send these judgmental emails, but he did it again yesterday, perhaps just to test me. But probably because the Universe is ready fro me to take a stand. I finally had enough of letting him think that I believe as he does, so I shared my heart with him about why I don't. He may never speak to me again. This could have repercussions in the way the rest of my family relates to me. I don't know how far reaching the impact will be, but at least I can live in integrity.

The thing that makes people so beautiful is their diversity, whether that be in looks, culture, beliefs, sexual orientation, personality, ethnicity, or whatever. My brother and I both have a lesson to learn. For me, I don't always have to hide my true self and tolerate the intolerance of others. There are times when I can be silent and allow others to enjoy their freedom of speech, but there are also times when I need to speak up and let people know that I will not tolerate their judgement while in my presence--even if it is in an email. What's the lesson for him? Perhaps he needs to understand that we are all one in Spirit regardless of our differences.

What do you think? Would you have continued to ignore and delete his emails, or would you have stood up for your right to believe as you do?

Expanding Your Power

Everyone speaks about consciousness. But what is it? The best way, I believe, to define consciousness is: an inner awareness that is an ageless, powerful and eternal, representative of our higher selves, which reminds us of our God selves.

Our goal is to expand our power and consciousness and have it affect our human experience. When you have a local perception of something, you “know” that it is here or there because you see it, hear it, taste it, touch it or smell it. But there is also a non-localized perception that is beyond time, space and physically perception or reality. We have spiritual awareness that is never separate from us that reminds us we are never separate from God. God is always with us, and "in” us and in fact “is” us. We are capable of perceiving this eternal connection with the Unseen through our spiritual senses.

Consciousness is energy which can be expanded by individuals, including you! Shakespeare said, “All things be ready if the mind be so.” If your mind is ready and your spirit is open to receive, all you have to do is speak the word. When your mind and heart believe in something, then whatever you think to yourself and what you say aloud becomes your outward reality. The speed at which your desire or prayer manifests depends upon the fuel you give it. If you are not ready for a particular experience that you have asked for, you may have to nurture it with prayer and meditation. It then becomes a formula, which needs to be repeated daily and freely in a loving, joyous manner.

The process of enlightenment will increase your spiritual awareness and power and help you maintain spiritual, mental, and physical balance. During ritual or meditation, you will be releasing stress and toxins, building self-esteem and confidence, and lowering your blood pressure. You will protect yourself from psychic attack and people will respond accordingly, including those who have no physical body. In this chapter you will learn more about conscious awareness and psychic abilities.

Expanding Consciousness Exercise

Let’s do an exercise in expanding consciousness. You may want to record this on tape and play it each night at the same time. Having a set time to do your ritual will create a sacred space for evolving spiritually to the next level. By repeating them in this way and keeping a meditation journal, your experience will deepen and you will later realize how profound your experience truly was. Tape record the following:

“Relax. I take a deep breath in through my nose, holding it, counting backwards to five—four—three—two—one. As I exhale the energy out of my mouth very slowly in a stream of air, I relax my neck, back, shoulders, chest, stomach, arms, forearms, fingers, buttocks, thighs, legs and toes—I release all energy from the day which may have caused me stress. Again, as I breathe in deeply and hold my breath, I release it backwards on the count of five—four—three—two—one, repeating the process of letting go and relaxing each part of my body—my neck, back, shoulders, chest, stomach, arms, forearms, fingers, buttocks, thighs, legs and toes. I totally let go of tension. I will imagine in this space that a beautiful, white Light as radiant as white sunlight with the feeling of electric white milk, blankets my entire body; tingling, vibrating and protecting me and shielding me with comfort and against outside forces. This energy of white Light shields me with a mother’s love. As I take another deep breath, I see a very still, blue sky without a cloud in it. I am now on the white sands of a beach where a cruise ship floats in the distance as I relax in the sun’s rays of warmth as it tingles my body in the beach chair where I sit. My breathing is normal and I am aware of the relaxing feeling I am having. As I slowly get up from my chair, I feel the warm sand under my feet, I walk toward the water. As I look down into the incredible blue aquamarine colors, I see a school of multi-colored, exotic fish playing and swimming, having fun. In the immediate distance, I see a man whose face is not clearly defined. He is bright in appearance, almost luminous. I also sense a tremendous amount of love from him. He instructs me with his mind, to use my index finger and write the first names of any person who needs forgiveness from me, in the sand. As I write the name, or names of these people, he smiles at me. As I look down at the names in the sand, he stretches his hand toward the ocean and a beautiful wave comes in washing away the names, leaving only white foam from the water and it too, recedes to the ocean. He lets me know mentally that everything is forgiven of all parties involved, as the names go into the watery grave of the ocean’s forgiving depths of love and eternity. As I look up to thank him, he hugs me and I am filled with compassion. I relax my body, and awaken refreshed with a renewed sense of power and love from this consciousness expansion and forgiveness exercise.”

Now take out your journal. What did you think about the exercise? Did you have any sensations, or did you stay in a restful, sleepy state? Did you fall asleep? Whatever your experience, write it down here. ________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________
________________________________________________________________

When you learn to do this often and more vividly, seeing the pictures as real, you are on your way and your path is carved to experiencing miracles in your life—literally! Some students in my class, when counting backwards, felt peaceful, but some felt a sense of falling backwards, or going down. Some students clearly pictured the sand, the beach, the ocean and the fish. Others felt that the figure of the man who appeared on the beach was either a spirit guide, an angel or Jesus. These energies are just as real as we are! Some students felt nothing except “safety.” No matter how advanced you are in your abilities, you may “sense” or “feel” things or even “hear” ocean waves. Every gift is different. When you “see” in your mind’s eye the details with clarity, it signals that you are on your way. Keep practicing and never give up!

Remember to always approach your meditation with a positive attitude, and enter the kingdom of God with thanksgiving. If you need peripheral devices such as incense, or to burn small pieces of sage to clear the room of negative energy, do so. You may use an oil burner to emit wonderful fragrances such as lavender and patchouli oil to get into the “mood” of ritual or meditation. The number-one emotion to take to the inner sanctum is love. When you do, even those who may have felt sick will walk into your sacred space and feel better. Try it. It will give the body a boost and help the immune system by producing healing body chemicals!

Out-of-Body Experience

In order to become enlightened, you must build the qualities and characteristics necessary to allow your mystical abilities to become a part of your life. Your spiritual and psychic gifts are beginning to emerge and you may have some terrific spiritual encounters during your meditation, ritual, prayer or dream time. My students know that they travel out of their bodies to the higher dimensions to receive information and assistance. I explain to them that when they are in a deep state of sleep, they unconsciously leave the body and travel to the higher dimensions where the answers to life’s problems will be given in symbols and dreams. You may discover answers to the most perplexing problems in the higher realms. Most people do this when they sleep. For that reason, you should always keep a dream journal next to your bed, because the pattern formed will reveal valuable information to you. This experience of soul travel is commonly referred to as astral travel or an out-of-body experience (OBE). While your spirit is traveling back and forth between the higher dimensions and the third dimension, your heart rate, respiration, perspiration, circulation and other bodily functions continue to work in Divine order. OBE and astral travel can be learned and facilitated consciously during meditation for the purpose of tuning in to your enlightened higher self, angels, guides and other light beings.

Let’s look at the communication dynamic happening between the physical, mental, spiritual, astral and even higher realms. Your present level of thinking is invisible in the physical realm, but it forms a vibration in the higher dimensions. Which means, in simple terms, a seed is planted. If nurtured by faith and continuous focus, the seed will grow and begin to form an experience in the physical realm. The Presence of God is right where you are. All the qualities and aspects of God and Goddess, or male and female energy of God, are inside of you and deeply buried in your subconscious mind. God’s thoughts come from the higher dimensions and make an impression or vibration on the unconscious mind. This is also a seed planted in your conscious mind. It may be a new idea, concept, a dream or wish. It is up to you to decide what action you will take to manifest it in the three-dimensional form. You will need to nurture the new desire and take spirit-guided action. Sowing and reaping takes over from there. Whatever you sow, you will reap. If you think good or positive thoughts, then your actions and manifestations will be positive. The opposite is also true.

There is a statement in the Book of Proverbs, twenty-third chapter, and seventh verse: “For as a man thinketh in his heart, so is he.” What do you think about all day? What do you say to yourself and others? Your enlightenment comes when you realize that you have no control over other people, but you have control over how you respond to other people. If you judge them, even in gossip, you judge God who made them and God who is in them. Remember, your thinking is the highest form or prayer and it is making an impression in the higher realms. This is where affirmation and mantras are beneficial.

After you have centered yourself and quietly selected your sacred space where you will not be disturbed, burn a white candle or uplifting, fragrant incense. Then say aloud and repeat to yourself:

“THERE IS PEACE AROUND ME; GOD IS WHERE I AM NOW. THE HOLY SPIRIT (OR GODDESS, or other name for God) IS IN THIS PLACE. I HAVE PEACE; I HAVE LOVE; I HAVE UNDERSTANDING. I AM WEALTHY. I AM INTUITIVE. I AM IN GREAT HEALTH.”

You may not believe this mantra, but say it until it is ingrained in your consciousness before falling asleep. When you awaken, notice different vibrations and a sense of newness and serenity in your room. Do this each night. Remember, when working with candles, never leave them burning unattended. Feel the presence in the room.

When you are on the road to enlightenment, your faith is placed in your Higher Self. When you become enlightened, you view the world differently. For example, should you have a friend who is fatally hit by a car or a family member who has a heart attack or cancer, you will respond differently than others who may say, “How could God let this happen?” Or, “She was such a religious person, how could God let her die?” You will understand that God is not responsible for anyone’s demise or destruction. That does not give us a reason to be unsympathetic or to withhold compassion. On the contrary, it is an excellent time to show and BE the love that you know you are. You will simply realize that whatever happened did so because the person affected chose the experience at some level. Every person has the capacity to choose or direct his or her life by his or her own free will. Your thinking makes you happy, sad, well, or sick. This has been proven. You will not feel possessive or have a sense of ownership for someone else or their life. You do not own a person. Even your own children are “on loan” to you from God to learn their own lessons of success, failure, growth, surrender, and love—love being the most powerful. It becomes easier to release someone when you become enlightened.

When you realize that God is always God no matter what—and you claim God as the Source and validity of who you are, you “add life to your being” as well as “years and health to your life.” It is your responsibility to “tune in” to the frequency of God in you. You are not a robot, but a spirit expressing yourself in human form. You were born as a beautiful spirit—a unit of awareness or consciousness with the ability to choose. What will you choose today?

My mother used to always say, “God is no respecter of persons.” This statement comes from the Bible. I know that this is true. I also heard another New Testament statement over and over. Whenever I was challenged in my faith and reported this to my parents, they retorted, “It rains on the just and the unjust.” In other words, everybody has the ability to mentally make choices, and good as well as bad things happen to “good” people. However, when you realize that God is represented as YOU—a unique unit of awareness with the “image” and “likeness” of God—then comes your enlightenment. God never changes. You can put money on that! You have to know that you can change by the power of your mind, soul and spirit. Nothing controls you or your life but you. Place your confidence and your faith in the Presence of God inside of you. Christ said the Kingdom of God is within you. People can usually tell when you have made that connection. They subconsciously realize your intent, which cannot be faked. When you align with God in a sincere way, it will shine through your body, and the power and laws of attraction will draw people to you. You are working your enlightened magic from the inside out!

Renowned speaker, author, intuitive and soul coach for the 21st century, Reggie Johnson helps people integrate their spiritual energy into their daily lives. Reggie is motivational and dynamic. His spiritual coaching sessions are richly intuitive and you leave with a new sense of purpose of your soul’s mission and the tools to tap into your own God-given power. You are reminded that the answers are within. You gain a dynamic, passionate vision for your future and your life.

Reggie is the author of The Awakening: Conquering the Sleeping Giant Within (Authorhouse.com) He is also founder of the WOW Fest.

Contact Reggie Johnson today (800) 864-3497.

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

The LITTLE Things in Life Have Purpose

Here are some reasons people gave for why they weren't at their usual place of employment in the Twin Towers at the time of the 9/11 blast.

The head of one company survived 9/11 because his son started kindergarten that day and he took him to school.

Another fellow was alive because it was his turn to bring donuts and he had to stop on the way to pick them up.

One woman was late because her alarm clock didn't go off in time.

One was late because of being stuck on the NJ Turnpike. There was an auto accident.

One of them missed his bus.

One spilled food on her clothes and had to take time to change.

One's car wouldn't start.

One couldn't get a taxi.

One man put on a new pair of shoes that morning, and took the various means to get to work. But, before he got there, he developed a blister on his foot. He stopped at a drugstore to buy a Band-Aid. That is why he is alive today...

Now when I am:

Stuck in traffic , miss an elevator, turn back to answer a ringing telephone, or experience any one of the little things that annoy me, I remind myself, that this is exactly where the Universe wants me to be at this very moment.

Next time your morning seems to be going wrong , the children are slow getting dressed,
you can't find the car keys, or you hit every traffic light, don't get mad or frustrated.
It may be that the angels are watching over you!

Smile and relax. All is well!

Love Shine a Light

A Jealous God?

I've been thinking lately about the Jewish Old Testament (OT) and the Christian New Testament (NT). Not only do I wonder why the two texts were merged, I also wonder why anyone thinks the Jewish god and the Christ of the New Testament are compatible since each one contradicts the other.

Judaism's OT god is a jealous and vengeful god with negative human character traits. He's more of a do-what-I-say-not-what-I-do kind of god. "Thou shalt not kill. Thou shalt have no other gods before me. Thou shalt not commit adultery" is what he supposedly supernaturally engraved on the stone tablets of Moses. Yet, this very god went before the Jews (If they were in good standing with him) in war to make sure they killed more folks than the other army. He worked in cohorts with Elijah to kill all the prophets who worshipped the other god, Baal. He approved of David, who had multiple wives, and even called him a man after his own heart.

The Christian view of Jesus as the son of this Jewish god is much different. He is compassionate, non-judgmental, and forgiving, and he caused people to rise from the dead. Jesus was a teacher and role model who never used force to get his way. He never asked to be worshipped. The adage: like father, like son, does not apply to this womanless duo. And, where is the mother of Jesus in this scenario? Mary wasn't around in the OT. Paganism and other older traditions honored the Goddess or Mother Earth. Some say that the Holy Spirit is the divine feminine aspect of the trinity. Male-dominant Judaism and Christianity both ignore the divine feminine.

Funny (as in strange, not ha ha) thing is many Christians act as if they believe in the attributes of the OT god rather than in the user-friendly Jesus. People take vows of monogamy only to break them, some approve of killing in the name of war, and while they do not approve of mediums and psychics who communicate with deceased loved ones, most Christians worship Jesus and follow him as a spirit guide. Right and wrong varies according to which denomination one belongs to; but, sin is okay since Jesus can forgive it with his blood. This makes for confusion and the whole "waiting on god" thing creates a sense that one is not personally responsible for making decisions, and taking action to create his or her own life.

I'm not trying to be factious. It's just the irony of the two gods that doesn't make sense. How can anyone please both of them?

Moses and His Magic Wand

Moses grew up Egyptian and the practice of magic was passed down to him as it was to all Egyptian children from generation to generation. "Moses was educated in all the learning of the Egyptians, and he was a man of power in words and deeds." - Acts 7:22) [NASB]

There was no room for doubt, just room for practice and faith. God not only works through man, God works through nature as well. Moses, this "man" of God parted the Red Sea. What words did he use? There are no recorded words for this miracle. Moses had learned that the wooden rod he carried with him had power to do miracles in front of Pharaoh and his magicians. He had come to depend upon the rod (magic wand, walking stick), so when he got to a crisis situation, he used the rod and his intention to part the waters of the Red Sea. Noting the tools he used, and his background in Egypt, Moses was probably considered a wizard or man of magic.

After leading a group of ornery people in the desert for many days, I'm sure Moses was weary of the griping congregation and wondered why God signed him up for the task. The people were thirsty and demanded the "Man of God with the Magic Rod" to do something to remedy the situation. You will remember in an earlier account when God first spoke to Moses and told him that he would lead the people out of bondage, that Moses had a bit of reservation about his speaking abilities. God granted that Moses' brother, Aaron, would go with him on the mission and be the spokesman to Pharaoh. In the situation of providing water for the Israelites, Moses was told by God to speak to the rock. Moses spoke to a rock and it brought forth water for the people to drink. The next time the people (still griping and fussing) needed water, he was again to speak to the rock to perform the miracle and manifest water where there was none. Instead of speaking to the rock, Moses smote or struck the rock, probably with his rod. What kind of faith did he have at that point? His faith was in his magic wand or walking stick.

The Bible mentions that God was upset about this. Why? Moses had become accustomed to using tools of divination to work miracles, but at this point, God wanted to teach Moses and demonstrate to the whining complaining people that our WORDS have power to create. They were creating more misery for themselves by complaining rather than being grateful that they were no longer under the control of Pharaoh! So, they manifested for themselves several more wilderness "do-overs" rather than moving into the land that had been promised them. Can you believe they actually blamed God for what they were manifesting? God wants us all to know that regardless of what kinds of tools we have at our disposal, our most powerful tool is the spoken word. Wow! Something to ponder. Attitude plus the spoken word manifests results. There's more to come on this subject in chapter eight.

I have had the experience of speaking things into existence. I never doubt God. In California, we had a tree in our backyard that we heard was supposed to have beautiful pink flowers shadowed with a white lining, but we never saw them in the first seven years we lived there. After teaching a class in white magic one night at my home, I went outside on a full moon and stood in the position of a star with 5 points (earth, air, fire, water & spirit - arms, legs and head). I called on or verbally "invoked" the goddess energy to enter me to let this poor tree bloom and do its part in nature. Two days later, it bloomed. My heart filled with gratitude. We have such awesome, Divine parents.

Dr. Reggie Johnson is an Intuitive Counselor, Healer, Minister and Spiritual Teacher whose ability to sense and understand energy is a gift to many. Those who desire a greater understanding of who they are and why they're here find Dr. Reggie Johnson's sessions extremely empowering. Visit Dr. Reggie's site at http://www.mystery-school-melchezidek.com, or email: reggie.mysteryschool@gmail.com

Article Source: http://EzineArticles.com/?expert=Reginald_Johnson

Releasing Yourself from the Fear of Death

Here is a great interview with Lynn Serafinn and Glenn Smith about Releasing Yourself from the Fear of Death: http://tr.im/i2u4

April update at Wyrdwood Publications

Several things are happening at Wyrdwood Publications this month:

1. The feed from our blog is now available through FeedBurner by RSS or by email, just go to http://wyrdwoodpublications.blogspot.com/ and look on the right hand column for our 'subscribe' links.

2. Release of 'Magical Bride: Craft an Interfaith Wedding for a Goddess' by Clea Danaan is on Saturday 4th April, that's tomorrow!

3. Wyrdwood Publications will be doing 'something special' for Earth Day on the 22nd April, please keep an eye on our website for details.

4. Release of another eBook, details to follow.

5. Wyrdwood Publications will officially be one of the sponsors for a large Pagan event, more details to come!

Don't forget that 'Pagans on the Wildside: Campfire Cooking' is only $4.99 and available exclusively from our website.

http://www.wyrdwoodpublications.com

Blessings to your Hearths,

Edain
Owner & Publisher
Wyrdwood Publications

The Benefits of Meditation

It requires focus and discipline to consistently practice meditation, prayer or ritual but the practice will assist you tremendously in your spiritual development. You are expanding ethereal, sacred energy and this becomes your power base. Focusing on expanding your consciousness through the process of meditation, and specifically focusing on each part of your body through guided meditation, helps to improve the circulatory system, effectively lowers blood pressure, decreases the heart rate and gives you a calmer outlook on life. You become more patient, while supercharging the immune system. You have mind-control over your body, especially where pain is concerned. You become more aware of your own healing nature. When you focus on your emotional self, you have a deeper meaning in your relationships with others and an "inner peace" that is beyond human description.

With meditation, you feel more motivated in your quest for spiritual development. Meditation increases your psychic awareness. Creativity, perceptual ability and clarity are increased tremendously. You feel closer to God in meditation. Once you get this connection, it is an amazing experience. A feeling of total joy and elation happens.

A doctor friend of mine once told me, "Whatever happens to you in this life is not important, but how you deal with it is." Meditation will help you "deal with life" on this physical plane. When I am feeling out-of-sorts, I can take ten to fifteen minutes and feel revitalized. This practice helps me reconnect to my Higher Self, discharge the negative energy and download a better attitude. Even if meditation doesn't bring a total clearing of emotions, I can at least see them as transitory or as if they are happening apart from me. I can become the observer of my own thoughts and feelings and feel less attached to them.

Now we know that consciousness is energy and that it is more powerful than electricity or atomic energy. It is the energy that creates life, goes beyond physical death and contacts those who have crossed over. This is the consciousness that can affect another person's consciousness beyond the physical earth-bound limits of time and space. You are a unit of God consciousness and therefore possess God consciousness. Mystics, psychics, occultists, spiritual advisors, and ancient seers from the past have always astounded us with their ability, and so can you. You can make miracles happen in your life on purpose. You were born to enlighten others and improve the quality of life on earth, for others as well as yourself.

Read more here.. http://tinyurl.com/cue3vn

Quote for the Day

"You can safely assume that you've created God in your own image, when it turns out that God hates all the same people you do."
~ Anonymous