Give voice to your spirit. The role of religion and spirituality in your life.http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/list.php?75Sat, 21 Nov 2009 01:54:19 -0800 Phorum 5.2.7 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117323,117323#msg-117323 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117323,117323#msg-117323
It's very important to understand where you've been so to move forward with that understanding. The Old T is about the Beginning where God gives not only his Commandments, but stories which explain the need for those Rules. So often I've read where people living outside God's plan, take stories out of context to support their sins. God is giving you an example of how Not to do it, and Not an example for you to follow to your demise.]]> Gregg SpiritualityWed, 21 Oct 2009 09:17:45 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117226,117226#msg-117226 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117226,117226#msg-117226Astrology Extrasensory Readings Western Astrology Zodiac Signs
The the poop indeed of the subject is, we've had 2324 years to refine the expertise of astrology. If it didn't work, it would not be so popular 5675 years after it's formation!]]> dardFoxia SpiritualityTue, 08 Sep 2009 05:15:57 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117015,117015#msg-117015 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,117015,117015#msg-117015
The other thing, many of these women are either hispanic looking or sometimes white? They do not appear Arabic.

I was going by a Catholic School the other day, it's been around 117 degrees here. The daily sign read..."you think it's hot here?" hehe]]> Gregg SpiritualitySat, 24 Oct 2009 06:29:36 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116815,116815#msg-116815 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116815,116815#msg-116815
I feel like I'm adrift at sea with no land in site. I wonder sometimes if maybe there is no land at all, nothing to anchor to.

What I find myself doing is praying a lot and reminding myself it's in God's hands and not to expect an immediate fix. I've put God first and stated that his will be done, not mine.

Has anyone experienced anything similar and if so, how did you deal with it?]]> freaking_at_40 SpiritualityWed, 17 Jun 2009 17:53:51 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116806,116806#msg-116806 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116806,116806#msg-116806
Rest in peace my dear friend and beloved teacher.



For anyone interested in learning more about Thomas Berry:

[www.thomasberry.org]

" Our challenge is to turn our perils into opportunities and to bring about an intensification of life rather than a turning of life against itself.

Concerning the present world tensions, our hope is not that these stresses all be removed but that they become creative rather than destructive. Tension within and among nations can have its salutary effects. It is not something to be totally avoided or completely eliminated lest humankind sink into an uncreative equilibrium. It is only in a high pitch of creative tension that we will get on with our work. Our fear for the present lies not precisely in the tensions but in our limited ability to deal creatively with our tensions. We take this attitude because impatience with existing world tensions and a relentless drive toward utopian objectives constitute a main cause of humanity’s recent difficulty. Unwilling to accept the fallible nature of humans with our inherent limitations, iconoclastic attitudes arise which often lead us to destroy what fragile structures have been erected against total chaos in the illusory hope of establishing some flawless but unreal world. How to work effectively toward improvement of the human situation without such upset requires wisdom and restraint as well as courage and power. These qualities are rarely found but are now demanded if we are to move into the next phase of human development.

We need a spirituality that emerges out of a reality deeper than ourselves, even deeper than life, a spirituality that is as deep as the earth process itself, a spirituality born out of the solar system and even out of the heavens beyond the solar system.. A spirituality is a mode of being in which not only the divine and the human commune with each other, but we discover ourselves in the universe and the universe discovers itself in us. " T. Berry]]> lizzie61 SpiritualityThu, 11 Jun 2009 06:23:23 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116092,116092#msg-116092 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,116092,116092#msg-116092
I truly believe that spiritual emptiness is the cause of this economic crisis. It became quite obvious to many of us that president Bush was an empty man whose soul was starving for spiritual fulfillment. But he acted from his ego; seeking wealth and power. He convinced himself and people that the way to happiness is to buy things and he instilled greed and fear in everyone to motivate them to fuel the economy. He made it easy to spend money and then medicate ourselves when the future didn't look as bright on the other side of the street. We soon found ourselves as lonely empty souls with lots of stuff. It's interesting too that the more we invest in external pleasures and external wealth, the lonlier we become.

We got here because of what we believe about ourselves and the story that we created for ourselves and others.

Humans are beginning to awaken to the emptiness in their lives and they realize that they have just been sailing with no real direction or purpose.

I've always believed that the natural order of this universe is in a constant state of seeking balance and so, where this imbalance, nature will force us to make adjustments. It would be easier on everyone and nature if man could live in more balance all the time. But, as we know, humans are extremists and only change their ways when they are absolutely forced to.

I really believe that this is the time to reawaken ourselves to the things in our lives that really do matter and adjust our mindset and behavior to support a healthier lifestyle and a healthier planet. We can devote more time to rest, spirit, nature, loving relationships. I think we should slow down and realize that it's important to observe the sabbath ( one day of rest each week) spend time helping others instead of spending money and time in shopping malls. This is a great time to become more aware of what we eat and learning to prepare healthier meals, to spend time walking and being outdoors in nature and learning about why the health of our environment really matters. It's also a good time to volunteer and create new relationships based in compassion.

I've been attending the unitarian church each sunday and then I ride my bike ( weather permitting) or I read or play my violin. The economy hasn't really affected my life all that much since I never was into all the material hype like many others. I mean specfically that I was already living on a budget and didn't spend money on social activities or extra material luxuries. But, I do seem to dedicate more time to reconnecting with old friends and spiritual activities and studies now. I think too that losing my dog has really opened up a big slot of free time. However, I have a feeling that it won't be long before i'm at the shelter again and bringing home a new friend.]]> lizzie61 SpiritualityTue, 31 Mar 2009 12:55:25 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115950,115950#msg-115950 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115950,115950#msg-115950
To a large degree, we Americans had a problem with this post 9/11, but are moving away from stereotyping and prejudice now with seemingly larger issues. True, that some in faith based religions cling tighter than others, but most do not. Christianity is the most bashed religion on earth. Say anything you want because the faith is based on forgiveness.

In summation, just because you observe self proclaimed Christians drinking, getting drunk, playing loud rock and roll, don't judge the faith on that anymore than terrorists proclaiming Islam. Study the Word for yourself, judge the Word, not those with free will to do as they wish on earth.

Ggg]]> Gregg SpiritualitySat, 07 Mar 2009 05:07:36 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115885,115885#msg-115885 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115885,115885#msg-115885Meditation is a very good activity to imbibe patience in oneself. In order to learn meditation you have to sit in a stationary position and continue to breathing deeply for long time while concentrating on your breath.

This is needed to be done until you are able to feel that you mind is silent and there is no thought whatsoever in your mind. While practicing it you will become more patient and this will enable you to bring in more success in your life. Meditation is also the first step for becoming spiritual in your life. Other techniques of meditation include active meditation of Osho, tia chi, dynamic meditation and few more. No matter which technique you choose the end result is more success in life through spirituality.

For contact us - vishal@spiritualuniv.org

For more information visit -http://www.spiritualuniv.org/]]> hw2009 SpiritualityWed, 18 Mar 2009 12:54:05 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115881,115881#msg-115881 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115881,115881#msg-115881
Maybe I am one now. But by my choosing not to believe one way or the other, right now, I can get by. Choosing not to believe is what has gotten me out of the depths of hell. I will tell you more tricks, too.

Let me tell you where my hell was: In there, the universe was created so that God could prove, beyond any doubt, that he hated me. I called myself the "Kree," and God, if He existed, hated me. He was the Kree hater, and I was the Kree, hated. If God did not exist, it could only be that I hated myself. (I apologize to the Indian nation with the same sounding name, now and then.) I was in pain, physical pain. My guts hated me. But no outside person or thing ever hated me personally. It was always God, and I had proof. How could he let me believe that I was damned if it was not true? The logic was irrefutable.

Mine was a slow death. Suicide was out of the question: God would simply re-create me in situations that were worse and worser. If you look carefully, you will see that not all suicides are successful. You will now just have to take my word for it that, true or not, I believed that for the attemptee, suicide was never successful. The universe would split into successful and unsuccessful parts. Obviously, I would not be aware of the successful parts. This is quantum mechanics at work in my mind.

I had another name: Posgar. This meant "Piece Of @#$%& GARbage." I defined myself thus. Thus I was.

This is the universe I lived in for two lifetimes, over 14 years total. I know what pain is. I recognize it when I see it. I have been institutionalized several times, and can recognize crazy in myself. I cannot recognize crazy in other people. I only see the pain part. Ok, maybe I'm half blind.

I think about things a lot. I intellectualize. So be it. Usually when I speak, only the tip of the iceberg shows. But there is more here. There is more in everyone. This I have known from the very beginning, that there is more in others. In some I can see a strength that they don't know they have. In others, not so much. I try not to lie. This is why I tell you that I'm writing this not particularly for you, whoever you are, but because I don't know why I couldn't be you.

If I try to play the children's game, "Do you know what I would do if I were you?" I would know that, if I were you, I would be you. How could I be anything different? If I were Hitler, I would be Hitler. If I were Ghandi, I would be Ghandi. If I were a rock, I would be that rock.

Thus we come to the question of God. If I were God, would I be God? My answer was NO. If I were God, I would simply switch back to being me. I preferred being the hatee rather than the hater. The hatee only experiences pain, it is not responsible for it.

Now we come to the crux of angry spirituality. I was in hell. I was never getting out. So, I figured, this is existence. I tried then to make a pact with God, a pact that was forever to be kept secret. Since I was going to hell anyway, God, let me then go in place of all others. Again, listen to what I said: "I will go to hell in your place." Thus began my healing.

It continued as follows. I attempted virtual suicide. Part of me would go to hell, and the other part would live "happily ever after." Remember, crazy people can believe crazy things. Do not believe what I believe, only believe that I truly believed it. It was night, and I was going to sleep, my final sleep, and my mind was literally buzzing. It was working, I was dividing in two. Happy, happy me! But then, at the last moment, I realized that I liked the part of me that was going to hell. Hell was where I belonged. Hell was where I could begin to respect myself. Damn!

So I stayed in hell. Eventually, I figured out that since I was already damned, God had no incentive to let me go there in anyone else's place. If God exists, He is certainly not stupid. Eventually, a long eventually, I came to a point where I told God it didn't matter. If He had need of someone in hell, I was the one he should send. Now the universe was clear and consistent. I had sent myself to hell.

These were my beliefs. Most of them were, and are, very painful. But this is how I healed, giving up these beliefs one at a time. Do not think that I have completely given up any belief, though, because not believing is sometimes also as painful as believing. This is what I do: I try to put my mind in a quantum superimposed state, neither believing nor not believing something. I do this because I find it reduces pain. Sometimes, too, I take aspirin.

So, call me wacko if you will. Sometimes I call myself that, but it is more affectionate than it used to be.

That is my story, but there are a few more things. Throughout all this, I was very successful at my job. When I worked, I would disappear into my work for hours at a time. I would not think about it, I would just do it. I made scads of money. Other than being in hell, I had no worries whatsoever.

I wanted to help other people, but there is this maxim: Physician, heal thyself. I am no physician, but my story is no different than other painful stories. Now I see at least a part of myself in others, and I try to reach out when I feel pain. Others do this too, most of them have had much more practice.

Let me show you a vision of the universe that I use as a guide. Imagine that you are, have been, and will be every thing that exists. You are your friend, you are your enemy, you are the air you breathe, the earth you stand on. When you die you will become something else, a different part of the universe. The universe is a cosmic mirror in which you see only yourself, impact only yourself, are only yourself. Is this how the universe is? Is this reality? I consider it unlikely, but can neither affirm nor deny it. But, if I choose to try to act as if it were true, I lead myself where I want to go. It is all a wacko can ask of itself.

So now, I have a technique, which I freely share. I try to help myself. Sometimes it works, sometimes not. But I try. I see others doing the same thing, and I rejoice. Sometimes I see others hurting themselves or others, and it is as if I am doing it to myself. I do what I can. I make mistakes. If I can, I clean up messes I have made.

So now you know me better. You know where I am and where I come from. My suit is as empty as I can make it, for I have spilled my guts out all over the floor.

Janitor, please. There seems to be a mess on aisle 4.]]> mt_suit SpiritualityWed, 18 Mar 2009 12:16:53 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115866,115866#msg-115866 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115866,115866#msg-115866
One is required to practice meditation to be in a position to attain these goals. You can start learning meditation by going through fundamental techniques of meditation consisting of breathing exercises and focusing on your inhaling and exhaling of breath. Some people are able to master meditation through these techniques and consequently meet their spiritual goals. On the other hand, there are people who suffer from poor concentration and are thus unable to concentrate on their breath. Osho designed active meditation techniques involving movements of the body such as dancing and stretching for such people to enable them to achieve their spiritual purpose of life.]]> rajneeshosho SpiritualitySat, 28 Feb 2009 03:28:09 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115846,115846#msg-115846 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115846,115846#msg-115846meditation is very good.

As meditation involves deep breathing we get ample amount of oxygen which we don’t get while normal breathing. We all know that our life is running because of oxygen so more we receive it better it is for our overall physical health. Another technique of meditation known as active meditation facilitates proper blood circulation through activities like dancing, stretching parts of body, laughing and jumping with joy. So no matter which technique you use you are sure to receive numerous health benefits through meditation.]]> rajneeshosho SpiritualityWed, 25 Feb 2009 04:42:02 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115845,115845#msg-115845 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115845,115845#msg-115845meditation.

Deep breathing exercise is the technique which is practiced very commonly in all parts the world. This technique is practiced in a silent environment where a person is made to sit in a comfortable position with his eyes closed. He is made to concentrate on his breath at the time of inhaling and exhaling. Active meditation is quite different in a way that it doesn’t requires one to sit in a motionless state instead it allows you to jump, dance, clap and laugh loudly to make the best of the situation. These techniques of meditation are very essential steps on your path of spirituality.

For contact us - vishal@spiritualuniv.org

For more information visit -http://www.spiritualuniv.org/]]> hw2009 SpiritualityWed, 25 Feb 2009 02:40:16 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115842,115842#msg-115842 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115842,115842#msg-115842

I would like to tell you a story about a young mother. Her name is Diane If you would, please close your eyes and try to picture this story as it unfolds. Three weeks ago, Diane’s husband Tom died in a tragic car accident with one of their 3 children, leaving Diane with a small baby and a 2 year old child. Now when Tom was alive, he did very well at his job and received a very nice salary. Diane was a stay at home mom. She loved her children and would have it no other way.
She never went to college and never really had any type of formal training. Tom always took care of the finances and paid all the bills. That was really not Diane’s thing and Tom was ok with that. They had a fairly large house in a wonderful neighborhood, 2 nice cars, and everything they could ask for. What Diane did not know was they were very deeply in debt and there house was already in foreclosure. Diane was an only child and both her parents died shortly after Tom and her got married. They never really spoke to Toms parents. He always mumbled something about they just did not see eye to eye.
Diane is sort of a loaner. She does not have many friends. The friends that she does have, are really in no position to help her financially, so Diane go’s and tries to get a job. Without any education she has a hard time, but finally gets a job working at a convince store as a clerk. Since she really can’t afford day care for her two small children, she tries to sneak them behind the counter, but quickly get fired about a week later.
As she steps off the bus, she walks up to a sheriff at her front door. He tells her to get what she can because her house has just been sold at auction and she can’t stay there anymore. She grabs what food is left and puts it into a small garbage bag, picks up her 2 small children and starts to walk down the street. As she walks into town, she beings to beg people to help her, but everyone just walks buy like she is not even there.

It is late November and it is starting to get dark and cold. She steals a few blanks off a clothes line and heads down to an underpass where she remembers seeing some homeless people. They will at least be a fire, she thinks. When she gets there, she curls up near some trash with her 2 small children and wraps them with blankets. Cold and hungry, the babies start to cry
Can you see her there? Can you see the 2 shivering babies wrapped in blanket? Can you hear them crying?

A drunken man starts to yell at them, saying he was going to kill those kids if she does not keep them quiet. She picks them up and starts to run. Tired, scared and broken she walks to a local shelter. She drops the two children off, and walks out the door. She goes into the back ally and falls to her knees. Crying… she picks up a chard of glass and cuts her wrists. There she dies in a pool of blood.

Please, if you would, keep your eyes closed. Now picture yourself walking on a path in the middle of a field. You can feel the warm summer wind in your face. You can smell the fresh air and wild flowers as you walk down the path. Up ahead you can see a very bright light. As you get closer, you can see this bright light just beyond a large iron gate. As the gate starts to open, you realize that you did not make it last night and you are about to meet God. As you pass through the gate, you can see him sitting on his throne surrounded by thousands of angels singing and praising his name. As you kneel down at his feet…. the singing stops. He looks down at you and says.
Why did you not help me when I reached out to you in that ally and died there in a pool of blood?


James 1:17 (New International Version)
Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows.
Everything we own, everything we have comes from God. So when we give, we simply offer him a very small portion of all the abundance he has already given to us.
Giving is an expression of our thankfulness and praise to God! It comes from a heart of worship. For everything we give already belongs to him!

We walk around every day ignoring Gods raised hand to us. We go to our jobs.. hoping we will not see that young girl with those 2 crying kids asking us for money again. We go back to our houses with our 2 cars parked in the garage, wandering what we can buy to fulfill the next couple moments of fleeting happiness.
I am not here to make you feel guilty are depressed or sad. Taking Dave Ramsey’s course has opened my eyes to what God wants me to do with my money. He taught me how to budget my money.
I now know what it feels like to open my heart and pick that young mother off that ground. Do you know that feeling? Do you want to know that feeling?]]> selfhelpblogger SpiritualityMon, 23 Feb 2009 09:39:42 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115831,115831#msg-115831 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115831,115831#msg-115831
There are several ways to perform meditation one of which is active meditation technique of Osho. Under this you are suppose to practice some very interesting tasks such as singing, listening to music, humming and laughing. All of them are very engaging and draws the attention of everyone due to which there is great rise in the number of disciples of Osho is all parts of the world. This is the foremost step in your long journey of spirituality full of joy and happiness.]]> rajneeshosho SpiritualityFri, 20 Feb 2009 22:47:54 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115830,115830#msg-115830 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115830,115830#msg-115830
The aim behind each of this activity is to make you forget about the tensions and problems of your life. When your mind becomes tension free your soul begins to enjoy much needed freedom and starts to direct your actions according to your true nature and personality. This is the right way of living life. A person leading his or her life in such a manner can said to be spiritual in nature. So, start doing meditation by enrolling for group meditation course of Osho today to improve quality of your life by being close to your soul.
For contact us - vishal@spiritualuniv.org
For more information visit -http://www.spiritualuniv.org/]]> hw2009 SpiritualityFri, 20 Feb 2009 22:33:57 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115581,115581#msg-115581 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115581,115581#msg-115581meditation comes easily to a person as it is a natural process taking you closer to your soul. But there are people who find it difficult to practice meditation using normal ways. For these people Osho, a great spiritual guru from India, has designed special techniques of meditation. These meditation techniques do not require a person to stay in a stationary position. He or she is allowed to move their body in different position, sing, laugh and dance on their way to spiritual enlightenment.

This is the reason why Osho has so many followers not only in India but in all parts of the world. When you feel that you are closer to your soul everything in this world appears so beautiful to you. You begin to behave in a positive and healthier manner. You become more generous and helpful in nature and perform better in your work. Thus, if you are seeking such a complacent life join Osho’s courses of group meditation today.]]> rajneeshosho SpiritualityTue, 03 Feb 2009 09:24:20 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115345,115345#msg-115345 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115345,115345#msg-115345
Was Adam and Eves relationship that way. If they were the beginning of sex and mankind, were they not brother and sister? Who else was around in those days? I suppose we could allude to the fact they were separate entities, but who says, and that doesn't make sense. Are we one big dysfunctional family in this world?

What most overlook when taking exception to gay relationships, is that almost everyone has more than one sex partner. Call it adultery, fornication, whatever, but mainstream society seems to give monolithic perversions a pass, while attacking faithful gayness. It's very much like the good ole boy network of husband with a mistress, very acceptable. But not acceptable for a wife to talk of her lover on the side.

Righteous and pure is in the eye of the beholder most often and what Society deems acceptable. I for one, am a total believer in heterosexuality but also believe in virgin brides which seems outdated today. One partner for a lifetime, man/woman. But we must address scapegoating also and devising our own set of rules. It has a tendency to be smug and prudish.

Ggg]]> Gregg SpiritualitySun, 11 Jan 2009 06:20:18 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115305,115305#msg-115305 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,115305,115305#msg-115305 sarah80 SpiritualityThu, 19 Mar 2009 08:05:56 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114969,114969#msg-114969 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114969,114969#msg-114969
Why can't the Godless just leave us alone, we leave them alone? Maybe that's the problem, they feel they need exposure. Usually the atheists and like are all the same breed of man. They need a cause and attention to themselves. Whether it's Christmas Trees or In God We Trust. With everything currently drying up, looks like they'd have better things to worry about.

In 3rd World Countries they view the Western Civilization as a decadent sinful society. They think we've moved away from what made America prosperous. The political correctness in letting anything slide has made us weaker. I think they are right.

Ggg]]> Gregg SpiritualitySat, 06 Dec 2008 04:34:16 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114553,114553#msg-114553 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114553,114553#msg-114553
One of my fears of death is finding myself in the clouds, with nothing to do but lay around and love everyone. It beats the alternative I agree. I wonder about Agnostics? I suppose they feel they just die and that's it. That's what they look forward to is nothingness.

But when I look around at all the Civil laws we've created in the last 30 years or so, and we create more all the time, I wonder? We create them for us you see. They are created because someone has to know whats best for us. El Greggo is a thrasher. I dont care if you smoke next to me on the bus, curse, having an affair with your neighbor. It's exciting isn't it. It's a Perfect World I fear most of all. Eating my veggies with no meat on the plate.

Gregg]]> Gregg SpiritualityTue, 25 Aug 2009 10:24:51 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114380,114380#msg-114380 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,114380,114380#msg-114380 Manny SpiritualityFri, 09 Jan 2009 10:10:42 -0800 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112960,112960#msg-112960 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112960,112960#msg-112960
"God", I said. "Can you give me one good reason not to quit?"
His answer surprised me..."Look around", He said. "Do you see the fern and the bamboo?"

"Yes", I replied.

"When I planted the fern and the bamboo seeds, I took very good care of them. I gave them light. I gave them water. The fern quickly grew from the earth. Its brilliant green covered the floor. Yet nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo.

In the second year the Fern grew more vibrant and plentiful. And again, nothing came from the bamboo seed. But I did not quit on the bamboo".

He said. "In the third year, there was still nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

In the fourth year, again, there was nothing from the bamboo seed. But I would not quit.

He said. "Then in the fifth year a tiny sprout emerged from the earth. Compared to the fern it was seemingly small and insignificant.

But just 6 months later the bamboo rose to over 100 feet tall. It had spent the five years growing roots. Those roots made it strong and gave it what it needed to survive. I would not give any of my creations a challenge it could not handle."

He said to me. "Did you know, my child, that all this time you have been struggling, you have actually been growing roots. I would not quit on the bamboo. I will never quit on you. Don't compare yourself to others."

He said, "The bamboo had a different purpose than the fern, yet, they both make the forest beautiful."

"Your time will come," God said to me. "You will rise high!"
"How high should I rise?" I asked.

"How high will the bamboo rise?" He asked in return.

"As high as it can?" I questioned.

"Yes." He said, "Give me glory by rising as high as you can."

I left the forest and brought back this story. I hope these words can help you see that God will never give up on you........

Just thought I would share.]]> selfhelpblogger SpiritualityThu, 23 Oct 2008 01:33:25 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112938,112938#msg-112938 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112938,112938#msg-112938
On a serious note, sorry, an Opinion on Evil? The Bible states we have a sinful nature? True. There will always be Evil in the world and we are to confront it. Only God can defeat it. OK But here's my next thought on this.

If Our actions are in keeping with God's Word, doesn't God work thru us? Thereby, defeating Evil with Gods help and blessing?

Gregg]]> Gregg SpiritualityTue, 26 Aug 2008 03:45:33 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112703,112703#msg-112703 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112703,112703#msg-112703
We fall short of Gods grace when we do not trust that he has a plan for us. I consistently see religious people worry about the events that go on in their life. They begin to follow their own path instead of Gods. He does have a plan for you. Have faith that everything he does, he does for you and he loves you. Once you let God sit in the driver’s seat, worry will be a thing of the past.]]> selfhelpblogger SpiritualityWed, 20 Aug 2008 18:02:48 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112063,112063#msg-112063 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,112063,112063#msg-112063 martinelwis SpiritualitySat, 13 Jun 2009 10:08:33 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111910,111910#msg-111910 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111910,111910#msg-111910
First it was Jeremiah Wright in the pulpit, dming America for 9/11. Now Pfleger. How'd you like to be a member of this congregation? Obama quit, said no more and rescended his membership in the Church.

Oh sure, Hagee endorse McCain and has made crude comments about Catholics, the Halocaust, Hitler and Jews from the pulpit. One big difference between Hagee and the other two. Hagee was reading scripture, not practicing politics from the Pulpit. Jewish Theologians even defended Hagees remarks. Hagee apologized to the Catholics and was accepted. When is Wright gonna apologize to America? He lives in a million dollar mansion, drives big nice cars, thanks America.

Greggo]]> Gregg SpiritualityTue, 03 Jun 2008 16:49:48 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111719,111719#msg-111719 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111719,111719#msg-111719 Care4UrMind SpiritualityFri, 15 Aug 2008 11:23:18 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111550,111550#msg-111550 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111550,111550#msg-111550
Islam is not as forgiving in the use of slang and their God. They don't have a vulgar A word or M word in their dictionary. They also believe in cruel and unusual punishment for those who use it. They will riot, turn to violence if one uses their God or religion in jest.

So I guess Christians are more liberal with Sacreligious tone, don't you think? I've been rather paranoid about certain Biblical words over the years. The more religious I am, at any given era in my life, the more paranoid and discreet I am. I never cared for the use of Devil or Satin in my lingo. I feel as though I am giving this bad Biblical character a place he doesn't deserve.

I realize agnostics and non-believers have no problem with stories and lingo regarding my God, so you can't relate probably. This is primarily a Christian thing between strong believers and backsliders, but a Born-Again topic.

Gregg]]> Gregg SpiritualityTue, 03 Jun 2008 17:02:14 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111260,111260#msg-111260 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,111260,111260#msg-111260
Ggg]]> Gregg SpiritualityFri, 06 Jun 2008 08:41:30 -0700 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,110652,110652#msg-110652 http://www.selfhelpmagazine.com/phorum/read.php?75,110652,110652#msg-110652
I received the book and the CD book for my birthday this year and I absolutely love it!! I'm also taking the class on Oprah.com on March 3. you can download the workbook from Oprah's site. Even if you don't participate in the workshop, it's definitely worth a read.

If you're not familiar with this book or the author, you can visit Eckhart Tolle's website or you can visit Amazon.com and read more about it.

Lizzie]]> lizzie61 SpiritualityTue, 11 Mar 2008 14:33:29 -0700